I need some input as to how to fix my problem. I have a 2001 Sonoma with a 4.3 engine. After driving for a period of time the engine sputters to a stop and will not restart. After several minutes the engine starts again just fine and runs for another short period of time and shuts down again. I changed the ICM and even have had it checked (continued to shut off after the change and thought that I may have gotten a bad ICM). The fuel pump powers up on when ignition switch is turned and have about 62lb fuel pressure. Don't know what else to try without changing a bunch of other costly parts. Any ideas would be of great help. Thank you.
Engine shutting down while driving
- Thread starter baker6168
- Start date
Molson02536
New member
Just a simple question, was the fuel filter replaced??? Dirty fuel filter will not set a check engine light to come on and will have the same issues you have described.
If there is a Auto Zone around your area, have the Sonoma scanned for any DTC codes that may lead us to what is causing your issues. Keep us posted.
Had the vehicle scanned and said that all was in order. I was thinking about the filter but couldn't understand if it was that then why would it restart once it had time to cool down? I was also thinking maybe the Camshaft mod. Do you think that might give the symptoms I'm describing?
Molson02536
New member
The camshaft sensor would have set a MIL, when the fuel pump heats up from a dirty fuel filter. It's common for the fuel pressure to drop, the clearance from the piston and cylinder in the fuel pump expands causing the fuel pressure to drop and then the engine stall out due to to low of fuel pressure to run the injectors. Once the pump cools down, the pressure can be obtained again till it starts to get to hot again. This is also a early sign that the fuel pump is getting close to the end of it's life, but you should get another year with clean a fuel filter.
As mentioned, start with the simple and replace the fuel filter and go from there.
Prolong addition heat to the fuel pump will cut it life expectancy, and remember the fuel in the gas tank is what keep it cool so try not to run the Sonoma less the 1/4 of a tank.How about the security system? I've been reading alot about issues with this system which shuts down the injectors. This would allow the fuel pump to operate but no fuel getting into the cylinders. Not sure how to troubleshoot this but maybe something else to look into?