2000 GMC Jimmy starting issues

[HelpMePlease]

I have a 2000 Jimmy, automatic, 2wd, 4 door, with around 140K miles on her. Yesterday she was having trouble starting up, she would turn over but the engine would not fully start. After a few tries she started up and ran fine. Today she will not start at all, she turns over but wont start at all. Over the past few months the engine has died a handful of time while backing up out of a parking space, I do not use the gas pedal when backing up, just idle. I do not know if this is related to the current condition.

I am a novice with cars but I know enough to know that it is either electrical, fuel related or air flow related.

Should I check the fuses first? How can I check the fuel pump? Any other tips on what I can do from home? I am on hard times financially and would like to try and learn about my car while fixing it myself to save money, if possible.

Any help would be great thanks!

 

[Molson02536]

I have a 2000 Jimmy, automatic, 2wd, 4 door, with around 140K miles on her. Yesterday she was having trouble starting up, she would turn over but the engine would not fully start. After a few tries she started up and ran fine. Today she will not start at all, she turns over but wont start at all. Over the past few months the engine has died a handful of time while backing up out of a parking space, I do not use the gas pedal when backing up, just idle. I do not know if this is related to the current condition.

I am a novice with cars but I know enough to know that it is either electrical, fuel related or air flow related.

Should I check the fuses first? How can I check the fuel pump? Any other tips on what I can do from home? I am on hard times financially and would like to try and learn about my car while fixing it myself to save money, if possible.

Any help would be great thanks!

Start with the simple and replace your fuel filter. Its located on the inside frame rail under the drivers door area.

If there is no check engine light on, most likely its going to be a fuel issue. Start with the fuel filter replacement and also listen for the fuel pump to purge your fuel system when you turn your ignition to the on position.

You should be able to hear the fuel pump to buzz for 5 seconds to pressurize your fuel system. If you don't hear the fuel pump, then your going to have to check your fuel pressure at the shredder valve for at least 62-65 psi.

Keep us posted and be safe.

Molson02536

 

[HelpMePlease]

update

Ok.

1. I checked the fuses. All good, no problems.

2. I hooked up a pressure gauge at the Schraeder Valve and tested the fuel pressure when the system is primed (ignition on and off multiple times) and when cranking. The fuel pressure gauge read around 30 psi with key on and engine off and around 45 psi when cranking.

I am having a tough time finding real information about what the actual PSI for the fuel line should be. I would really like to see it in a manual or some specifications. Some mechanics online say it needs minimum 50 psi to start and if PSI is between 45-49 it will start eventually as the fuel pools up. This seems to fit my situation. It will eventually start after enough tries. Other mechanics, and you, say it should be in the 60's. I don't know who or what to believe without seeing a repair manual, and I do not want to buy one. Any ideas on where to find a free one online?

How can I test whether it is the regulator and not the pump? Will the PSI drop off rapidly if this is the case? I do not want to replace the fuel pump if it is not the real issue.

Any ideas?

 

[HelpMePlease]

Found a manual

I found access to the Chilton manuals through the library and they kinda suck. But, if I understood what I read, the only way it could be the fuel pressure regulator would be if my fuel pressure was too high.

For the engine specs, they list the psi as 58-64, which I included as an attachment. Later on in the fuel system diagnosis section they say it should be 60-66 psi. I am going to run with the 58-64 psi because it is the only page that seems to specifically reference the engine and vehicle, whereas the fuel system diagnosis section seems more general.

It would appear as if the fuel pump is most likely my issue. Before I spend the money on it I think I am going to change the filter to see if that helps (maybe it is obstructed somehow).



Thank you Molson! I really appreciate your reply, expertise and experience. I am such newb with vehicles, but I have already learned so much in just the last few days. Thanks again!