2003 Chevrolet Silverado, Ext Cab, 5.3 V8, Auto Trans, 180K miles

I have noticed over the past couple of months the idle has become progressively more labored, sometimes even stalling itself out. In the last two days, however, it stalls every time I take my foot off the gas when in drive.

I don't know if this has something to do with it or not, but the other evening, I left the lights on accidentally with the key in the "On" position and the battery died. After getting jumped off by a friend, the truck began stalling repetitively. Once on the highway, it seems to run fine. But, get in stop and start traffic in town and I am constantly having to restart it.

Another thing I thought of, and I'm not sure if it has anything to do with it or not, but this truck rarely ever starts on the first turn of the key. Normally, I have to turn the key and let the fuel pump prime before it will fire. So, I am suspecting it's not holding fuel pressure at rest.

Any suggestions?

 

The first thing I would check are the battery cables at the battery - make sure the surfaces are clean and shiny and that the cable nuts are tight.

The second thing I would check is the fuel pressure and while you are doing that, check the operation of the fuel pressure regulator. I had similar idling and driving problems when the fuel pressure regulator's diaphragm broke on my 99 Silverado.

Good luck!