I've got a Tahoe that has been an awesome vehicle, never a problem, ever.

Well, this morning I went to fire her up and it would not start. It would turn over, but not start.

I fired some starter fluid into the intake, but I do not think that I fired enough in, deep enough to be of any help. So I'll try that again tonight and see if it'll start. Didn't have time to keep at it... Anyways...

At any rate, whats the best way to tell if the issue is with the fuel pump, or if it is a fuel filter issue? Or hell... it could be the wiring harness on the fuel pump for all I know. They've never been replaced, and I just crossed over 100k miles on this vehicle.

We will drive this till the wheels fall off of it, we're emotionally attached to it. So... before I start pulling stuff off, thought I'd see if anyone had a way to tell which part the problem could be with.

BTW, its charging fine, not a battery or starter issue.

 

Not sure what year you've got, but here is a vid indicating where the filter is and how to replace it (should be very easy). I'd start with that assuming it is fuel delivery that is the true problem. Are you sure you are getting spark? Is it trying to fire up at all?

I don't think Chevy used inertia switches on their vehicles (mainly a Ford thing) but it wouldn't hurt to call the service department at the dealer and ask about that either.


http://www.vehiclefixer.com/videos/c...oe-fuel-filter

 

Yep, its sparking. Trying like mad to start.

I'm going to replace the filter tomorrow and see what happens. GM's fuel pumps don't go out often. The filter, never been replaced... But it will be. The filter might take 10 minutes, it runs along the frame about mid way back. Don't even need to get all the way under.

Thanks for the vid!

 

Can you hear the fuel pump humming?

 

Thats a great question, and I had not thought of that till you said it.

I've never heard it in the Tahoe. But thats a function of it being a large vehicle. I've been used to hearing that in my cars though.

 

I'm not sure if it's in the tank or not but try and listen for it there. I know some GM's keep it there.

 

Yep, its "above" the tank. I'd have to drop the tank if it is the pump.

I'm going to pull off one of the fuel lines when I take the filter off. Crank and it and see what, if anything comes out, if anything comes out, obviously its a filter. But if nothing comes out; bad pump.

 

Or fuse, or relay, etc. Do your homework mang....

 

I'm not sure about how much it would be to change both, but it is at that age when you will need to start replacing things like the fuel filter, fuel pump, water pump, alternator and other major parts that are "bolted on" to the motor.

 

Yea, if you know which relay it is (should be in the book) see if you can hear or feel it clicking. Doesn't mean it's not bad if it does but it's too quick and easy not to check.