Acts like it is starving for gas?

Tiny
GINA DEMARTINI
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 5.3L
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 192,178 MILES
This question is for Joe and is a response to his reply. No, I hear nothing from the exhaust it starts up just fine when it's cold, but once it warms up it's like it's starving for gas. That's why I changed the fuel filter twice before it gets warmed up. Though when it's cold it runs great and then it warms up and it runs like poop. So, I'm not sure what to do. I'll check out those links though.
Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 7:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
STEVE W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 13,576 POSTS
So, it starts up cold, does it also run fine and has full power when it's cold? Then once the engine runs a bit the power goes away, and it acts like it's starving for fuel? Have you checked the fuel pressure? Should have 55-60 PSI with the key on and engine off. I would check it cold, then run it until it warms up and check it again. It's not common but a worn pump that is starting to wear can start drawing more current as it operates a while and decreases the fuel pressure. If you still see the same pressure in both cases I would then put a scan tool onto it and watch the fuel trims as the engine warms up to see if it's the PCM switching to closed loop that is causing the issue, you could also watch the O2 sensor voltages at the same time.
From the description it sounds like it drops off when it goes into closed loop and full control. That should rule out converter flow as the problem as they won't change flow as they heat up. Think of it as a clogged drain, it's not going to flow more cold water than hot water, clogged is clogged. However, it could be something in the PCM that is heating up.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Many times, you can get the pressure tester as a loaner tool. The test port is under the plastic cover with a cap over it.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2022 AT 7:24 PM
Tiny
GINA DEMARTINI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET TAHOE
  • 192,178 MILES
Every time I try to accelerate it backfires pops and wants to shut off when I let off the acceleration it gets a little bit more power it goes a little faster. I've changed my fuel filter twice I change oil I did checkup tune up I have no idea what my problem is with my truck has no kick down has no power I've been told it's a Catlytic converters. I've changed a fuel filter twice I gave it a tune-up I have no power no kickdown especially when it's hot when it warms up and wants to not go anymore. When it's cold I can give it gas it'll take me where I need to go. When it's warmed up and don't take me where I want to go it dies on me at stop lights won't start back up I have to push it off the road until it cools back down.
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Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 AT 9:56 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,885 POSTS
Hi,

The catalytic converters were my first thought. However, low fuel pressure can cause issues as well.

As far as the converters, do you notice any rattling, odd odors, or strange sounds from the exhaust? Are you comfortable removing the upstream oxygen sensors to see if some of the power returns?

Take a look through this link first:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/bad-catalytic-converter-symptoms

If you feel things in that link mirror what you experience, take a look through this link which explains ways to test the converters:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-catalytic-converter

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe
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Wednesday, December 21st, 2022 AT 9:56 AM (Merged)

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