Hey people, new to forum.
My 02 Ford 150 is still without any problems and runs like a charm, my 09 Ranger still runs and looks like day came off the lot. When not purchasing a Ford, Chev is always the only other option for me. That said, my 02 Tahoe 5.3 lt autoride is actually one of my favourite vehicles which I have ever owned but is unfortunately also giving me some problems right now. The body is mint (applaud chev for not rusting like a dodge would!), runs incredibly smooth and still a comfortable, tight ride - I would really like to keep it, even get another 250k out of it. Hoping to get some good feedback here.
Here's the problem, and it can be numerous issues at various expenses:
STALLING WHILE DRIVING, able to start back up after a few to several minutes. Tahoe runs normal, no immediate signs of breakdown, no rough idle, then immediate loss of power (ie. like alternator went or ran out of gas). I have read some of the forums, it seems this issue can be from literally hundreds of different problems. Is there anyway in pinpointing problem without wasting endless money and time? I dont think it is the alternator; after stalled out, it has been parked but started daily (without any hesitation). Where do i start with dumping money into my dearly beloved Chev?

 

I did not mention this in original post:
Stalled when lower on fuel on a hot day.
Is 'vapour lock' the possible problem?

 

not likely no, modern fuel injection pressures are high enough vapor lock doesn't really exist


You'll have to start with the basics to get an idea. Check for codes, fuel pressure and volume would be first things I'd check

 

Okay thank you. back on vaplock, do fuels with additives (for colder climate like Canada) make vapour lock possible once again though?

 

Honestly I wouldn't even consider it a possibility. If you're thinking you're problem is heat related it'd be much more likely that you're fuel pump is overheating and that can be countered by never letting your tank go below 1/4 to make the pump last longer. Fuel pressure and volume are your #1 test to do from what you've posted.

 

Thanks again. Ya, I already considered making sure keep almost a half tank for now on; the two times when the stall happened were when only had about an 1/8 tank. I did have fuel system serviced the other day (in canaduh we have dirty gas, with additives, and I swear 91 octane is actually like a 62 octane haha) - it is something i should make a point to do more often. Without testing volume, would i notice an issue with volume being a problem by just driving (ie. hesitation in acceleration)? It runs smooth, chevy vortec smooth; exactly why i am surprised and baffled it stalled out.

 

if you had a fuel pressure or volume problem the fuel trim % would go positive +20% -30% range. this can be viewed with a scan tool.


How intermittent is this fault?


Canada has dirty fuel? Where you at? use top tier fuels and buy from a station that has high volume sales. Do not fill your truck if you see the tanker at the gas station. Most contamination problems I have seen are from customer's old rusty slip tanks or farm tanks. One old farmer had a dirty broom handle in the bed that he would stick in the slip tank to check level.