99 Silverado not running right (Page 1/2)
crt454 NOV 25, 08:59 PM
Like the title says, I have a 99 Silverado 5.3 that isn't running right. Since everyone here has been such great help with Fiero questions, I figured I would ask on this as well. Driving to work today my truck just lost power, still running, just wouldn't move (like the throttle wasn't working). I pulled over it was idling about 500 (usually idles around 1000), I tried to pull back on the road and it won't move under its own power, then dies. I started it back up and same thing. Changed the fuel filter, seemed to help a little, sometimes will idle at 1000 and can even rev up some, but when you try to move it starts bogging down and will drop to a 500 rpm idle. I also tried unhooking the MAF sensor and it didn't change anything. My next step was going to be to change the fuel pump, but I'm hesitant because it starts almost everytime, yet seems like it isn't getting enough fuel.
Hope that makes sense and thanks for the help.
tesmith66 NOV 26, 06:50 AM
Check fuel pressure. Could be a bad regulator or pump. The regulator is cheap and easy to replace (snaps into the fuel rail). The pump is expensive and a ***** (I pulled the bed on my 99 Silverado when I replaced it).

Anything ignition or electronics related would (should?) throw a code. The ECM doesn't read fuel pressure (as far as I know).
carnut122 NOV 26, 06:46 PM
Is it throwing any codes? I'm guessing a plugged catalytic converter.
crt454 NOV 26, 08:37 PM
No codes, I was thinking that it was the fuel pump too, just hoping for something easier (I just filled the tank). Also, the truck won't even start now, every once in awhile it might after hitting the gas tank. Fuel pump has been ordered.
Hank is Here NOV 27, 10:36 AM
Sounds like a fuel pump to me. The pump went in my 02 Silverado in early Feb. It started giving some signs of low idle for a few days (and I just kinds ignored that) until it just does on me on the coldest day of the year. No codes or warning it just died gonig home from work. The pump lasted for 11 years and 180,000 miles

Rather than dropping the tank I lifted off the bed since I also had a full tank when it died. Really all it is is four bolts that hold the bad to the frame, a few screws/push rivits that hold on the filler neck and then disconnecting the wiring. After disconnecting all I did was hand a pulley from the roof of my garage.

As for the replacement pump I went to rockauto and purchase their recommeneded pump for $80 or so delivered. There are plety of $200-$250 pumps listed however I just decised to go cheap since this is a 11 year old high milage truck. On the older Silverados (99-03 I think) you need to cut off the end of the wiring harness and put on a different connector that is supplied.

From research it sound like a $700 -$900 job if you take it to a garage. For me it was $80 and about six hours of my life, or ~10% of taking it to a shop. Also that is six hours on time for a novice shade tree mechanic---I am not shop mechanic but I can do more than change a tire. I am sure a shop mechanic could kknock it out in half the time.

Hank
crt454 NOV 27, 03:10 PM
I was thinking of pulling the bed as well, as I had just filled the tank the night before. Also, based on some reading around the web, almost everyone says the removing the bed is the easiest way to go about it.
carnut122 NOV 28, 11:51 AM

quote
Originally posted by crt454:

I was thinking of pulling the bed as well, as I had just filled the tank the night before. Also, based on some reading around the web, almost everyone says the removing the bed is the easiest way to go about it.



That's what I've read, but you need to have a way of lifting it off and back on. If it takes 6 hours, to get this done, maybe you might want to test it for fuel pressure first. Harbor Freight sells the gauge kit for less than $20. Maybe Auto Zone will lend you one?

[This message has been edited by carnut122 (edited 11-28-2013).]

crt454 NOV 29, 04:25 PM
I got the fuel pump installed today. I didn't have anyone around to help me remove the bed so I just tilted it. I did this by removing the driver side bed bolts and only loosening the passenger side bolts. I then tilted the bed and braced it up in the air. The most difficult part of the job was wiring in the new connector for the pump (which wasn't bad at all). I must say, this seems much easier than dropping the tank, although it would be nicer to have the whole bed off. Thanks for your help!
tesmith66 NOV 30, 09:11 AM
Did it fix the problem?
crt454 NOV 30, 06:55 PM
Oops, guess I should have said that. Yes, it did fix the problem, truck runs great!