ErikTande

2004 suburban won't start when gas is 1/4 or less, but it WILL stay running when the fuel is low. But if it's shut off, it won't start until it's fueled up past a quarter of a tank again.

I googled it and found other people posting about the exact same issue, but I didn't find the fix.

Is it a bad fuel pump? That seemed like the most common fix suggested, but I wanted to confirm.
Thanks!

2004 Chevy Suburban 5.3 with Flex Fuel Capability

Irish_alley

well whats your fuel pressure sitting at when its acting up?

tech2

maybe the sending unit isn't accurate. fill it full when the problem acts up and see what volume it takes. the tank size is probably a 100 liter tank so if your at 75 liters to fill its probably accurate.

Irish_alley

this is merica we dont serve liters here

ErikTande

Not sure, I'll check it next time. What will that tell us?

Thanks!

Irish_alley

what im wondering is if the pump has a small leak that when submerged in fuel it can build enough pressure to start the truck but once it gets below the leak it cant build enough pressure and wont start but still can get enough fuel to keep the engine running. i had an 02 1500 that was running, not the best but it was running only with 23 psi. replaced the pump and it went to 55+.

tech2

join the international system of units...you'll love it.

knightctk

Had the same issue. I tried most all remedies over several years hoping to avoid replacing the fuel pump.Finally decided to replaced fuel pump, and it always cranks regardless of fuel level. But I still try to avoid letting fuel level get below 1/4 tank.

Biggpoppa1

I had an 02 Tahoe if I parked on a hill with 1/4 tank of fuel it would not start and also if tank was less than 3/4 full on a very hot day it would stall out. After about a year I figured out that the problem was the fuel pump. Changed it myself and saved $900.00. Never had problem again. Just food for thought.

mj1965

on my '03 suburban i checked fuel pressure. It was very low. I changed fuel pump, and while down there replaced fuel filter(200,000 mi, and it fixed my problem. I had exact same symptoms you experienced for around 2 months.