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Chevrolet Silverado 2014-Present: Why Does My Truck Shut Off?

The Chevy Silverado is made to drive under extreme conditions, but what do you do if it keeps shutting off? Read more to address this issue.

By Jerry Perez - June 26, 2015

This article applies to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 (2014-present).

You trust your Chevrolet Silverado to be there for you when you need it, but sometimes, mechanical parts have a different idea in mind. Few things are more frustrating than when you need to get going but your engine won't comply. Then you have to begin the long journey of diagnosing exactly what's causing the engine to shut down after start up. That's why we've compiled this guide to show you the most common reasons why the engine in your Silverado could shut off. Keep in mind that while diagnosing some of these may be simple, you should seek professional advice if you aren't sure of what you are doing.

Step 1 – Check the fuel filter

It could be clogged.

The fuel system starts at the gas tank, then it gets pumped through the fuel lines by the fuel pump, then as it travels through the fuel line, it gets to the fuel filter which cleans the impurities, then it gets delivered to the engine via the injection system. Which means that if the fuel filter is dirty, clogged or just not doing its job, this could potentially keep fuel from reaching the engine. The reason why the engine will start and then shut off is because when you crank the ignition, the fuel injection primes the system with enough gas to start, but then the clogged filter fails to deliver more fuel, and the engine shuts off.

  • Locate fuel filter along fuel lines.
  • Remove filter and inspect cleanliness.
  • Replace filter and reinstall.
Figure 1. Fuel filter is located in between two fuel lines.

Step 2 – Check fuel pump

It could be malfunctioning.

As mentioned before, the fuel system relies on multiple components in order to successfully transfer fuel from the gas tank all the way to the engine cylinders. The fuel pump plays the big role of pumping fuel out of the tank and into the fuel lines, which means that if the pump isn't pumping as well as it should, or at all, your Silverado's engine will not stay on much longer after start up.

  • When the fuel tank contains a quarter of a tank of fuel, locate the top opening of the fuel pump.
  • Remove the cover, protective covers, etc.
  • Make sure all wiring connectors are properly plugged in and the system actuates the way it should.

If the pump is old or isn't working properly, replace it.

Caution

Always beware of the dangers of working around an open or exposed fuel tank.

Figure 2. Fuel pump top view.

Step 3 – Check fuel injection wiring

It could be misfiring.

The fuel pump and other fuel injection components receive power and are grounded by a fuse at the main fuse box in the driver's side dash compartment in the Silverado. Also, It is common for the fuel pump relay connector to become loose with time, and it will short and not allow the fuel pump to work once the ignition has been turned on. You can disconnect the relay, asses it, clean it and plug it back in. You can also check the various fuses related to other components.

Figure 3. Fuel pump relay connector.

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