 | Jeff Lovell is the owner of Neptune Radiator and Auto Repair. He started a radiator repair shop in 1996 and has grown over the last 15 years into an automotive repair shop. With 3 ASE Certified technicians including 1 Master ASE Certified technician, they have over 40 years of combined experience. They do everything except glass and body repair. For more information please contact us at 620.231.5890 or visit us at 902 West 4th Street. |
Automotive Service & Repair
2012-08-02 11:52:13
Why is my truck not starting properly?
Q- I have a '03 Chevy Silverado. Recently, it is becoming harder to start than normal and making a hissing sound. The first time I start it for the day, it takes three times to start. After the engine is "Warm", it starts fine (if its not allowed to cool down). What could the problem be?
A- The hissing you hear is most likely the fuel pump, the fuel pressure regulator or a vacuum leak, which leads me to believe your problem is based around fuel pressure.
When turning the key on, and not even cranking, the fuel pump primes the system for 2-3
seconds. It also keeps a prime when you turn the truck off. Since cycling the key a few times seems to help it start, it makes sense that the fuel pressure is low. Cycling the key builds the pressure up a little more to get it to start.
Remember, these engines need at least a 55 PSI fuel pressure to start. If even a few pounds less, they will not respond. Cycling the key adds a little more each time.
Two possible resolutions would be having the fuel filter replaced, which may do the trick. It is more likely, however, that the fuel pump is beginning to fail and needs replacement
