Chevy Silverado Dies When Gassed
Repair ADvice for 1998 Chevorlet that Idles Fine until Acceleration
May 18, 2008
This weekly Q&A session answers your questions about cars and trucks. This week explores a 1998 Chevy Silverado that dies when accelerating.
Question:
Hi my name is Irene; my truck is a 1998 Chevy Silverado and in fairly good shape except for sometimes when I accelerate and it turns off. I turn it back on and it works but if I accelerate too quickly it turns off. Do you think it’s the fuel pump? I just changed the oil, filter and spark plugs and haven't tried using it since but I don't think that would be the problem, would it?
Answer:
Well Irene, there are a number of possibilities for this condition. You’re going to have to do a little detective work to narrow down the possibilities and find the root cause.
You didn’t mention which engine you have or how many miles are on it but the first thing to do is replace the fuel filter. A clogged fuel filter will allow enough fuel to pass to maintain a good idle speed but when a load is applied to the engine there is not enough fuel getting to the engine for a smooth acceleration. So when you go to accelerate it essential runs out of fuel.
The fuel filter is located on the outside of the left frame rail just forward of the fuel tank. Depending on the make, model and engine size it is either an in-line filter or a spin on filter, similar to an oil filter. When you replace the fuel filter remove the fuel pump fuse and run the engine until it dies. Then crank it over a few times to be sure the fuel pressure is released. For safeties sake disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the fuel filter. When you remove the fuel filter cover the fittings with a shop towel in case there is any residual fuel pressure.
There’s a very good chance this alone will take care of the problem. If not the next thing to do is look at the ignition system. Since you replaced the spark plugs the next thing to do is look at the ignition wires. What you can do is get a spray bottle filled with water and a few drops of dish soap. Start the engine and spray the ignition coils and ignition wires with the water. Look and listen for any snapping and arcing. If you hear or see any the wires will need to be replaced. Doing this when it’s dark will make seeing any arcing easier to see.
If, after checking and correcting these two things, you still have a problem, you will need to check the fuel pressure and fuel volume to see if the fuel pump is doing its job.
That’s all for this week. Feel free to browse the archives for past topics and other resources. And, as always, if you are stuck and need an immediate answer you can always call Vince on the phone.
