Battery Died - Now Have To Pump Gas To Start?

vincef · August 5, 2007

I am baffled why this happened. I have a '01 Silverado 5.3 liter.....

The battery sloooowwwwly drained over a 6-7 day period as I left my radar detector and cell phone plugged in during this period. Upon return from vacation I jumped in and tried to start the truck. Battery was to dead to turn the truck over....

I jumped started the truck and it was slow to crank, but it started AFTER I pumped the gas a couple times. Not sure why I did this because you should never have to pump the gas on a fuel injected vehicle IMO.

Subsequent starts I had to always pump the gas a couple times while cranking to get it started - then runs fine and normal.

I reset the computer thinking by pumping the gas while jumping it messed up computor settings. This made no difference - I STILL HAVE to pump the gas to start the truck. This is anytime the truck sits for 30 min or more - hot or cold, no diff???

Any ideas???????

The fuel pump/ filter/ fuel pump harness was replaced 9,000 miles ago and it has run perfect since until my battery was drained?

Ranger · August 6, 2007

Any CEL/SES (Check engine) lights coming on? I find it pretty weird to have to pump the gas in a fuel injected vehicle, yeah...I have had to do it on a 86 Bronco before but it had a low fuel pressure problem. It's possible that something's wrong with your fuel injectors or the rail that connects them. I'd take it to a dealership and have them scan the PCM.

vincef · August 6, 2007

Good question - the check engine light never came on - does that mean no codes? It's wierd because the truck runs 100% once it started - cold or hot.

I reset the computer thinking I screwed up the TPS sensor setting or something starting from a dead battery and pumping the gas. No difference after the reset - still have to pump the gas and crack it for a couple 5 second bursts to get it to start. Even then it stumbles to live and hesitates for a second before RPMs level off around 500ish.

Do dealers normally charge to pull codes? I was thinking Autozone since they do it at no charge but not sure I am getting as good of a read out analysis.

Ranger · August 6, 2007

You could try seeing if Autozone can pull a code, but what you really need to do is get the PCM checked unless you have a Scan 2 tool laying around...Basically something may be FUBARed in your PCM, maybe something like the ignition settings not automatically injecting fuel on startup.

The dealer will probably charge you a diagnostic fee...Depends on your relationship with them but it could be between 40-80 bucks.

DFBonnett · August 8, 2007

I'd check the throttle body and plates for a build up of deposits. As they built up the comp may have adjusted to it. When the battery died the comp reset to default which would be for clean plates and bores. A toothbrush and some carb cleaner is all you need.

mooreapi · August 9, 2007

Notch,

i had a similar problem with my 00 silverado. First thing to check would be (other than cell charger and radar detector) whether you have any other drains on the battery.

Does your keyless entry and headlights/interior lights still work? (I had a problem with those not working, SECURITY light on, would drain batt over a couple days)

What I think it is, is that your computer has to relearn how to manage your engine. I had to disconnect the battery while the truck sat (for the above prob, or would be completely dead in a couple days). Each time I reconnected, it would act like this. Run it a few days and see if it evens out. If not, check/clean the IAC and throttle plate (like DFB said).

I also found my truck never liked to sit for long periods. First time it sat for a week, the thermostat froze up. The second time, the ABS pump stopped working.

Might just be your truck telling you it's pissed at you for leaving