1997 GMC Jimmy Trouble Starting

ALEXN1018

MEMBER
1997 GMC JIMMY
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
151,000 MILES

I have a 1997 GCM Jimmy. Over the past 6 or so months I have had some trouble starting. The engine would crank but take some time to fire up, mostly after a second try or giving it some gas it would go. Three weeks ago when starting up it made a grinding noise similar to holding the key after then engine starts, but it still never failed to fire. My mechanic replaced the starter and now the noise is gone. Since that time I frequently have to hold the gas down to get the engine to fire and rev up, but if I let off the engine will die. I have to flutter the gas for 15-20 seconds reving it up and then it seems to idle normally. It has also come close to stalling a couple times at stop lights. The problem seems to happen starting a warm engine mostly but not exclusively. My battery measure 12.3 volts without the engine running so that seems ok. I plan on testing fuel pressure this week. Any other ideas would be great.

4 Replies

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Start with the fuel pressure. Reply with the results.

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Monday, February 1st, 2010 AT 5:51 AM

ALEXN1018

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5 POSTS

Sorry this took so long to respond about, we've been blanketed with snow here in SW Virginia, not fun to mess with the car in. Fuel pressure looks fine, holds at right about 60 so that doesn't seem to be the problem.

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 2:05 PM

PEAR69

MECHANIC
1,482 POSTS

Don't rule out the fuel pressure just yet. How long does the fuel pressure hold after the engine is shut off? If should hold for at least 3 to 5 minutes. If not, then you could have a leaking fuel pressure regulator.
When you press the gas pedal, you are not really putting more gas into the engine -- you are actually opening the throttle plate, which adds more air to the intake. There is a valve that is called the Idle Control Valve, which effects the throttle intake at start up and at idle. Check it, it may be "gunked up".
Try running Cheveron Tectron fuel injection cleaner through the system. I suggest running the gas tank to a little less than 1/4 tank and adding a large bottle of this cleaner (don't follow the instructions). Put 5 dollars of gas in (which is now = to about 1 or 2 gallons) and run the tank almost dry. This will clean the injection system with a strong consentration of Tectron. These injection systems are nortoriuos for dirty injectors. Post back with the results. I hope these things solve the problem -- if not we will go further. BTW - I am from the Northeast, I know working on a car in the snow sucks.

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Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 4:23 PM

ALEXN1018