stalled out on me 3 times on my 15-minute drive?

2002 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN

206,000 MILES • 5.3L • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

BURBANBOY

MEMBER
5 POSTS

So, a few months ago, I drove my truck from NJ to FL and it shut off on me a few times (coolant line snapped, engine stall, overheating). I made it to FL and fixed the line and let it sit. Fixed the overheating issue, and the engine seemed to run fine. However, it started to idle at about 400 RPMs and a check engine light came on, p0332. So, about a month later, I changed the knock sensors and intake manifold gaskets. Then it started to throw a p0327 code and it’s idling at about 500 RPMs. About a week later, i tested the fuel pressure and it was running 42-49 and the check engine light is still on. So, I just drove it for a few more months up until recently the truck stalled on me 3 times on my 15-minute drive home from work. I'm suspecting a clog in the fuel filter. I took it to a shop about 2 months ago for some other work and to my luck the fuel lines are completely rusted so the fuel filter can’t be replaced without snapping the fuel lines. So, I'm taking the truck in to get new fuel lines and fuel filter hoping that fixes the issue. My question is, will a bad fuel pump/filter cause a p0332 code? Also, would the faulty pump/filter cause the low RPMs? And lastly, in this situation, would you suspect the fuel pump or the filter? When I start the truck, i can hear the fuel pump prime strong. Thanks!

The vehicle listed above has a 5.3 Flex Fuel.

Mar 26, 2023 at 10:18 PM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,256 POSTS

The clogged fuel filter can be causing all of the issues you are experiencing. I would spray WD40 and let it sit overnight and then use a line wrench to help grip the fitting and try to replace the fuel filter.

Here are two videos that can help:

https://youtu.be/HNlvgp_YfQ0

and

https://youtu.be/CTv8UOiPjc0

Please go over these guides and report back. A clogged fuel filter can cause the engine to run lean creating the knock codes.

Mar 27, 2023 at 3:58 AM

BURBANBOY

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Just replaced the line and the fuel filter. It runs smoother and no stalling so far. The RPMs are still pretty low at around 500.

Mar 28, 2023 at 7:36 AM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,256 POSTS

I would check for vacuum leaks and clean the throttle body. Here are two guides to help.

Use this guide when the engine is cold only:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-an-engine-vacuum-gauge

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service

Please go over these guides and report back.

Mar 30, 2023 at 5:37 AM

BURBANBOY

MEMBER
5 POSTS

It’s idling at about 500 RPMs, sometimes a little lower. The truck stalled out on me frequently a few days ago, fuel pressure was low, got the fuel line and filter swapped out, still low RPMs. Had a check engine light of p0332. Changed out the knock sensors and intake manifold gaskets. Once I got the line replaced, the check engine light stayed off for about 15 miles then came back on. Yesterday morning I started the truck, let it idle for a bit, put it in reverse and backed out, once I put it in drive and gave it a little gas, it hesitated like it wanted to stall then kept running. So basically, I'm idling low and I'm throwing a code for a knock sensor that I already replaced. Don’t know what to do.

Mar 30, 2023 at 7:09 AM

STRAILER

✓Experienced Mechanic
55,256 POSTS

Sorry about the confusion, please check out the post above yours.

Mar 30, 2023 at 7:10 AM

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