The starter cranks but the motor won't start?

TONYSTONEY

MEMBER
2004 CHEVROLET SILVERADO
5.3L
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
165,000 MILES

About a month ago all gauges went out on me I've been lazy and haven't gotten around to troubleshooting it yet although I suppose it may be an instrument cluster. 2 days ago my truck died on me while driving leaving me stranded. The starter cranks but the motor won't start. I checked my 2 year old battery for loose connection. I removed a spark plug and it sparks although they are 6 years old and could use being replaced. I removed the fuel pressure test cap and depressed the pin and I smell gas when trying to start. I'm working on borrowing a pressure gauge to hook up to test the pressure. All of my fuses appear to be good. Do I have 2 separate issues or could they be related.

8 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Try resetting your security system or there may be a problem with it if it still won't start.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

TONYSTONEY

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6 POSTS

I forgot to mention that I got no codes when using a code reader. I tried to do a fuel pressure test and when turning the key to ON I'm getting zero psi. Not sure if I'm doing the test correctly though.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

HMAC300

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48,601 POSTS

The security system will knock out your fuel pump. Try resetting it like I said in first reply with instructions included.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

TONYSTONEY

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6 POSTS

I can't see anything on my instrument panel nothing works on it. When I turn the key ON I hear my fuel pump turn on. I sprayed throttle body cleaner into the air intake and then the motor temporarily started for a few seconds. I tested my fuses and the CRANK fuse isnt visibly blown but when using a test light it fails. I replaced it with a spare fuse and it still won't light up. I also tested the fuel pump relay and with the test light grounded I only get power at pin 30.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

HMAC300

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Check fuelpressure with a gauge sounds like a bad pump autoparts rent it. 48-54 psi except flex fuel which is 55-62 psi. Must meet minimum psi with key on

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

TONYSTONEY

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Yeah I hooked up the pressure gauge and I get 0 psi when turning the key to the ON position, but the pump itself makes a noise when I turn the key ON. Would a bad fuel pump explain the blown crank fuses or is that a separate issue?

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Have you even tried to reset your security system like I said in first reply? If yo uhave and it still is not starting then check tosee if fuel pump is getting power if not then have it scanned because you may have something wrong with security system. Also if what I sent doesn't work check online as the procedure may have changed.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM

TONYSTONEY

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6 POSTS

The thing about the security system is the truck died while I was driving down the road at around 45 mph so I don't think the security system would be the issue. My opinion is either the pump is bad or I'm not getting power to the pump.

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Friday, July 24th, 2020 AT 10:49 AM