No start after changing IAC Valve?

Tiny
MLN123!
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  • 2001 CHEVROLET BLAZER
  • 4.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 242,000 MILES
I have the vehicle listed above that has a history of not wanting to start.
I’ve changed the fuel pump, fuel filter, MAP Sensor, the sensor right after that on the air tube going to the breather cover, ignition coil, plugs, wires and crankcase position sensor.
The only way it would start after all this is by holding the gas pedal down till it started then let off the pedal. Idle was bad then leveled off but idling at 1,000 up to 1,400 RPMs. Put it in gear the idle went up.
The parts store manager said I should look at the IAC valve. I did and it was carboned mostly on one side. Tried to clean it and it started by itself right after that. I let it run for a minute or so and turned it off. Tried to restart it to no avail. Bought a new one ($85.00) and after that tried to start it and it drained the battery. Put it on charge. It turns over and acts like it want to start but won’t at the current time.
I’d like to get a haircut but no need as I’ve been pulling it out over frustration. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 8:53 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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LOL. I needed that laugh.

As far as the IAC, when you had it removed, did you inspect where it is attached to the throttle body to make sure airflow gets through the passage?

Do you still hear the fuel pump actuate when the key is first turned on? Will it start if you hold the throttle pedal?

Excessive deposits in the IAC passage, throttle bore or throttle plate can prevent air to reach the engine. On this vehicle, the throttle plate is fully closed at idle. Air is allowed to reach the engine via the IAC. So, if there is a restriction, it may not be getting air or enough air.

Also, take a look at this link. It explains how to service the IAC system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/idle-air-control-valve-service

Let me know your thoughts.

Take care,

Joe

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Thursday, March 16th, 2023 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
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I cleaned the valve and the port opening. It started up with a slight hesitation on its own. After a minute or so I shut it off and tried to restart it. Wouldn’t but sounded like it wanted to but then backfired. Drained the battery extremely fast. I took throttle body off and cleaned it. Was clean thoroughly. No start. Went and bought a new valve. Still no start. It did backfire though.
I watched the video. You can hear the fuel pump when the key is turned to the on position. It’s less than a year old itself. Still won’t start even if pedal held down to the floor. Drains battery real fast.
I cleaned the ERG valve a few months ago. Could it be faulty now or could it be out of time with the new parts?
Thanks for your time in advance.
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Saturday, March 18th, 2023 AT 8:45 PM
Tiny
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Hi,

A backfire can be caused by a few things. For example, a lean or rich fuel mixture can cause it. Also, ignition timing. Something is off.

Take a look at the list I attached below. Of the things listed, what have you already checked?

Also, is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear?

Let me know.

Joe
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Sunday, March 19th, 2023 AT 7:43 PM
Tiny
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Hello. Since the last text I have done the following.
I wanted to check the timing and rotor position on the distributor first. So, after looking at the rotor itself, it had two burn marks down both sides of the metal pointer. I went and got both a new cap and rotor.
Prior to checking it I drained the power by first disconnecting the cables from the battery and then using one side of some jumper cables I connected the two cables together and wrapped a shop towel around each one. I left it like this till I was finished with replacing rotor and cap.
After this I reconnected the battery and did two cycles of turning the key to on position for 5 seconds then Off for 3 seconds. At the start of the third cycle, I just turned it on for 5 seconds and then cranked it. Started up. Idled rough at first but has settled down to 850-900 at the present time. I drove it 17 miles and after 3 hours it started right up. A few hours later I had to press the pedal down again for it to start. This morning it started but not like it should. I changed plugs and wires later last year when I noticed one had a burn mark on it.
Have not had the injection balance test done yet. I cleaned the ERG valve a few months ago. I’ll look at it again. On those is it advisable to replace it with a new one or does cleaning one suffice too?
Thanks for your time.
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Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 AT 9:46 AM
Tiny
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Hi,

As far as the EGR is concerned, if it is functional, cleaning will work. By chance, do you have a vacuum pump?

If you do, attach it to the EGR and apply a vacuum. First, you should see how it reacts to the vacuum. Also, it should hold the vacuum and not leak off.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 21st, 2023 AT 6:49 PM
Tiny
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Hello. Got back from having a hair transplant. This is how I found my problem.
My buddy gave me a new ABS module, so I decided to put it on. Then I debated whether to bleed the brakes. I have a bleeder kit. After the third round of debate, I decided to do it because I changed the module.
I got under the front driver side front wheel to see if I could connect the tube without taking tires off. I noticed a 1/4” shiny band going around the front drive shaft near the linkage. Saw a sliver of the wiring harness hanging. Tugged a little and got both harnesses to come around the drive shaft and saw where both harnesses were rubbing on the shaft. Two wires in two (this is the fuel harness) and a large gauge wire from other harness rubbing on drive shaft.
Because of changing the module, I finally will be able to get a haircut. Your suggestion of it being an electrical issue was on point. Thank you for your time and input.
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Monday, March 27th, 2023 AT 5:51 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

First, you are very welcome, and thank you for the update. I'm glad to know you have repaired it successfully.

Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You are always welcome.

Take care of yourself,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 28th, 2023 AT 8:04 PM

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