2002 GMC Sonoma Hard Cold Start

2002 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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KGOSSWILLER
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  • 1 POST
I have a 2002 Sonnoma 4.3; on occasion it has been hard starting on a cold start and acts like it isn't getting gas. After a couple of minutes it starts and runs fine. That is until this morning.

A little starting fluid gets to start very briefly. I am assuming the fuel pump went out. I am interested if anyone has other ideas and is it better to drop the gas tank or remove the bed for replacement?
Nov 5, 2006 at 12:49 AM
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BACKYARDMECHANIC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 337 POSTS
Dear Kgrosswiller,
I have never replaced a a fuel pump on this particular car but I have change a few. It is my experience the way to go about it is to drop the tank to change the pump. One suggestion before you decided to tackle this job (not hard but alot of work) make sure the fuel pump is bad. I don't know your level of experence or the availablility to tools but here are some things to check first. Check to see if the pump is running by turning the key to the on postion and listen to see if you can hear if the pump is running. ( you will hear it humming for few seconds and then stop) If you can't hear it running check the fuel pump fuse to see if it is blown. And at last, check the fuel pump relay and see if it is operating. This is probably located under the hood. If you have someone turn the key to the on postion and place a finger on the relay you should be able to feel and hear it click. If you have a fuel pressure tester you an hook it up and see if the is enough pressure to run the car.
Good luck Backyardmechanic :)
Nov 9, 2006 at 5:47 AM
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GMX
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IT'S EASIER IF U LIFT THE TRUCK BED , THERE IS 8 18MM BOLTS & THE TORQS FOR THE FUEL NECK , WILL TAKE TWO PEOPLE TO LIFT THE BED TIP IT TOWARD THE REAR & STICK A ROD TO HOLD IT UP WHILE U CHANGE THE PUMP. 12 YEAR GM TECH TRUST ME IT WORKS
Nov 20, 2006 at 1:57 PM
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Suggested Repair

Before replacing the fuel pump, confirm it is bad: listen for a brief prime hum with the key on, check the fuel pump fuse and relay, and test fuel pressure if possible. If the pump must be replaced, the tank can be dropped, or the bed can be lifted by two people after removing the bed bolts and filler-neck fasteners.

Conversation Summary

A 2002 GMC Sonoma 4.3 is occasionally hard to start cold and acts as if it is not getting fuel; starting fluid only runs it briefly, so the owner suspects the fuel pump and asks whether to drop the tank or remove the bed. Advice is to verify pump prime, the fuse, the relay, and fuel pressure first. Dropping the tank is one method; a GM technician says lifting the bed is easier.

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