Starts great uphill?

SKY74

MEMBER
2003 GMC SAFARI
180,000 MILES

It starts instantly in the morning when cold but once it's been running it takes two, three five second cranks to start, even if I let it sit for a few hours. However, if I park it facing uphill it will start right up instantly.

Thursday, March 23rd, 2023 AT 9:08 PM

1 Reply

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

I have seen a weak fuel pump cause this issue, but to be sure let's do a fuel pressure test. here is a guide to help with the instruction for your car and how to replace the fuel pump in the images below:

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

Fuel System Pressure (w/fuel pump running) .................... 379 - 427 kPa (55 - 62 PSI)

Fuel System Pressure (after fuel pump shuts off) .................... 34 kPa (5 PSI)

Fuel System Pressure Drop (after 5 minutes) .................... 14 kPa (2 PSI)

You can rent a fuel pressure gauge for cheap at the local auto parts store. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to make bigger)