Engine stalls at idle?

Tiny
RUDEDAWG454
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 110,000 MILES
When its cold out engine doesn't want to stay running, but as it warms up it runs better. Ive been told that I need to remove my intake manifold and have it machined . Does this sound right? It has a 5.3 vortec
Wednesday, March 6th, 2013 AT 6:15 AM

28 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, I would check the actual fuel pressure to be sure you have correct fuel to the injectors.

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

Measure with the Key On Engine Off with the fuel pump commanded ON.

Vin (V,T,U)
Fuel Pressure (gasoline) .................... 55-62 psi

Vin (Z)
Fuel Pressure (ethanol) .................... 48-54 psi

These specifications are taken from the Fuel System Diagnosis. For complete testing of fuel pressures and volume see Fuel System Diagnosis, See: Computers and Control Systems > Testing and Inspection

The coolant sensor may also be an issue. If the reading are wrong, it will effect cold operation.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-coolant-temperature-sensor-works

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-coolant-temperature-sensor

Roy

ENGINE COOLANT TEMPERATURE (ECT) SENSOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

NOTE: Use care when handling the coolant sensor. Damage to the coolant sensor will affect the operation of the fuel control system.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

1. Drain the cooling system until below the level of the engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.
2. Disconnect the ECT sensor (1) electrical connector.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

3. Remove the ECT sensor.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTE:
Replacement components must be the correct part number for the application. Components requiring the use of the thread locking compound, lubricants, corrosion inhibitors, or sealants are identified in the service procedure. Some replacement components may come with these coatings already applied. Do not use these coatings on components unless specified. These coatings can affect the final torque, which may affect the operation of the component. Use the correct torque specification when installing components in order to avoid damage.
Use care when handling the coolant sensor. Damage to the coolant sensor will affect the operation of the fuel control system.

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

1. If installing the old sensor, coat the threads with sealant GM IP/N 12346004 (Canadian IP/N 10953480) or equivalent.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

2. Install the ECT sensor.

Tighten
Tighten the sensor to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).

imageOpen In New TabZoom/Print

3. Connect the ECT sensor (1) electrical connector.
4. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Cooling System.
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Monday, February 1st, 2021 AT 3:15 PM
Tiny
ROY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • 121,000 MILES
My 2002 silverado 4.8 the idle wont stay steady the rpm goes up and down and it dies, and some times the idle goes up at start up like it should
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PROAUTOTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 288 POSTS
Scan it to see if it's storing any codes here is a guide. Let me know what the codes are. But, also listen to it very closely under the hood. Often times you can hear a vacuum leak. A hose could have come unhooked, or split in half, that could easily cause what you are experiencing.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Could be other things, but let me know what you get from the scan. Thanks!
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DELOUPE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 84,000 MILES
When I start the truck it will turn over but will not idle and stalls. After the third try it starts up and idles fine like there was never any problem. Please help!
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Check and see if the fuel pressure regulator is blown. Located on the drivers side of the engine on the fuel rail, it has a vacuum line that goes up to the intake manifold. If there is fuel present in line replace the regulator. Check it after it starts and dies. Also clean out the throttle bore around the butterfly with carb cleaner and a rag, this will also help stabilize the idle
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:52 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JESSICA WOOTERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 350,000 MILES
I started it up and it ran for a few minutes then it shut off. Every time I start it it shakes and shuts off. Can’t move it and won’t stay running.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:53 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

This can be the result of a few different things. However, I first suspect a fuel pressure issue unless the check engine light is staying on. First, take a look through this link. It discusses the most common causes of an engine to stall at idle, what to check, and how to fix. Also, here is a link that shows how to check fuel pressure:

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/stall-at-idle

If that doesn't help, I suggest scanning the computer to see if there are any diagnostic trouble codes stored in the system. Here is a quick video showing how it is done:

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

I realize most people don't own a scanner, but often times a parts store will lend or rent one to you.

Next, a bad crankshaft position can act this way, too. Take a look through this link. It discusses common symptoms and the second link shows in general how one is replaced.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

__________________________________________

Here are specific directions for replacing the crankshaft position sensor on your vehicle. The attached pictures correlate with these directions.

CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR REPLACEMENT

picture 1

picture 2

picture 3

IMPORTANT: The CKP System System Variation Learning Procedure will need to be performed whenever the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor is removed or replaced. Refer to CKP System Variation Learn Procedure.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE
1. Remove the electrical connector.
2. Remove the sensor hold down bolt.
3. Remove the sensor from the timing cover.

NOTE: When installing or removing a crankshaft position (CKP) sensor make sure the sensor is fully seated and held stationary in the front cover before torquing the hold down bolt into the front cover. A sensor which is not seated may result in erratic operation and lead to the setting of false codes.

4. Inspect the sensor O-ring for wear, cracks or leakage. Replace if necessary. Lube the new O-ring with clean engine oil before installing.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

NOTE: Make certain that the Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor mounting surfaces are clean and free of burrs before installing the CKP sensor.

1. Install the sensor into the timing cover.
2. Install the sensor hold down bolt.

Tighten
Tighten the hold down bolt to 8 Nm (71 lb in).

3. Install the electrical connector.
4. Perform the CKP System Variation Learn Procedure. Refer to CKP System Variation Learn Procedure.
____________________________

Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn

1. Install the scan tool.
2. Apply the vehicle's parking brake.
3. Block the drive wheels.
4. Close the hood.
5. Place the vehicle's transmission in Park (AT) or Neutral (MT).
6. Idle the engine until the coolant temperature reaches 65 C (150 F).
7. Turn OFF all the accessories.

Important:If the CKP System Variation Learn Procedure cannot be completed successfully, refer to DTC P1336 Crankshaft Position (CKP) System Variation Not Learned for additional diagnostic information. See: A L L Diagnostic Trouble Codes ( DTC ) > P Code Charts

8. Enable the Crankshaft Position System Variation Learn Procedure with the scan tool.

Important:After the ignition switch is turned to the CRANK position, the VCM must see a change in the state of brake switch (Released to Applied) to run the learn procedure. Also, the service brakes and the parking brake must be held throughout the duration of the learn procedure.

9. Apply and hold the service brakes.

Important:While the learn procedure is in progress, release the throttle immediately when the engine starts to decelerate. The engine control is returned to the operator and the engine will respond to throttle position after the learn procedure is complete.

10. Slowly raise the engine speed to 4,000 RPM.
11. Immediately release the throttle when the engine speed decreases.
12. Turn OFF the ignition for 15 seconds after the learn procedure is completed successfully.

______________________________________________________

If you decide to check the fuel pressure, here are the manufacturer's specs for pressure:

FUEL PRESSURE SPECIFICATIONS
Ignition On, Engine Off .................... 415 - 455 kPa (60 - 66 psi)

For additional fuel pressure testing and specifications, refer to Fuel System Diagnosis. See: Fuel Pressure > Component Tests and General Diagnostics > Fuel System Pressure Test

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:53 PM (Merged)
Tiny
Z71_PILOT_1
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
  • 1999 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
  • V8
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
Truck with 5.3 wont idle right. Idles too low most of the time at start-up. Then sometimes Idles wide open at start -up. No codes
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
It sounds like a bad throttle position sensor or idle air control valve. Without a code, it a guess. Have you checked closely for vacuum leaks and intake leaks?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
Z71_PILOT_1
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I bought an engine from a wrecked truck, and they used the old intake because they said the newer one was damaged, I interchanged the IAC & TPS from both intakes and even changed the MAF sensor and neither fixed my problem
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Was the year make and model the same?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
Z71_PILOT_1
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Well since ya rarely seen the host vehicle for an engine in a junk yard, all I saw was the dogouse after the truck had been disassembled. I was told it was " the same engine ". The engine and intake appeared to be identical to the old
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
If there is no check engine light, I bet there is an intake leak.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
Z71_PILOT_1
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
Is that usually a difficult type leak to find/ fix?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
With the engine running, spray starting fluid, carb cleaner. Around the intake. If there is a leak, the engine will rev up.

Note: when doing this, you are spraying a very flammable product on a hot engine. A fire can start if you hit something like an exhaust manifold. Keep a fire extinguisher near.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
Z71_PILOT_1
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
O.K. Thanks for all ur help
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Let me know what you find, and be careful.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCAR_FACE3480
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1998 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
V8 four wheel drive automatic 200, 00 miles.

Hello, I took the air filter off the engine to look in the butterfly valve and there is no fuel in it at all. I turn the key to the on position and I can hear the noise for the gas tank running but it will turn on for a second then quickly shut off. Inside the butterfly valve I can see a little flame but no fuel please help.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
If the vehicle starts then shuts off, one thought is the security system, pass-lock, fuel disable? thee guides can help su fix it

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-stalls

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCAR_FACE3480
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Like I said in the top of the engine the butterfly valve inside there is no fuel at all. How would I know if it is the security system?
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Thursday, February 18th, 2021 AT 12:55 PM (Merged)

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