Engine shuts off when cold and stay running when engine is at normal temperatures

Tiny
ELCHON
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 GMC ACADIA
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
Been having issues with it for the past year and no luck finding the problem.

1. It drains the battery if left sitting without moving it for a couple days.

Replaced a couple batteries but the problem persisted.

The alternator has been tested a l few times, it’s good according to the technician.

2. At first it wasn’t running, looking through forums found some people having issues and some found the fuse box to be the problem.
Before that the coils and spark plugs were replaced.
Other mechanic shop told me that the timing chains needed to be replaced.
Due to not having the funds decided to keep checking on my own.
Checked the fuse box and indeed the box screws were loose and the harness connectors were not making a good connection.
After that the car run good for a few months.
Now the car runs the it just shuts off it won’t stay running, the tachometer would just bounce up and down, surging like.

Replaced the PCV valve, temperature sensor, and throttle body sensor, still same problem.

But if step on the gas at around 3,000 RPMs for about 5 minutes to get the engine warm it will stay running but if I drive the car around the engine will stall while driving.
I don’t know what else to check any advice will be appreciated.
Thanks
Monday, February 8th, 2021 AT 9:17 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that it doesn't run properly when cold leads me to think it could be a fuel pressure-related issue or an issue with the engine coolant temp sensor (ECT).

Here is what I would start. First, check the fuel pressure to confirm it is within the manufacturer's specs. Here is a link that shows in general how it's done:

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

If that is good, I need you to get your hands on a live data scan tool. Connect the scanner to the vehicle and see what the signal from the ECT is telling the computer. The sensor's information is how the computer determines how rich or lean to make the fuel mixture. So, if it is way off, there will be issues starting the vehicle and how it runs.

Let me know if you can get a scan tool or if you already have one.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 5:22 PM
Tiny
ELCHON
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Hi and thanks for the reply.

I will see if I can get a scan tool from a friend but I don’t know if it has live data.

As for the ECT I have replaced that with a new one and it did not make any difference.

I will get back to you when I get my hands on the scan tool.

Thanks.
And have a bless day
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 6:28 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,758 POSTS
If you do get the tool, let me know what the short term fuel trims are when it's at an idle (or as close as you can get it to an idle.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 AT 6:43 PM

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