Why will my '99 Chevrolet 1500 pickup truck not start correctly?

Question

I can start the truck everytime but the engine turns over several times and then sputters at the beginning upon startup. After revving the engine a couple times the truck runs fine. If engine is still hot the startup is better. To help with the answer.... I also had to put Super Unleaded gasoline in the truck one time because that was all the gas station had. And throughout that tank of gas the truck started perfect. Afterwards, when filled with regular unleaded...the startup problems came back.

Answer 1

Your 1999 chev pickup is fuel injected, and should start as soon as you turn the key. Also has Electronic ignition.
I would recommend a tune up, replace the spark plugs, check the distributor cap and rotor, have the fuel injection system purged to clean any dirty injectors.
Also add the octane booster to the gas tank if you are using regular unleaded gas . This will increase your octane level in the gas.

Answer 2

There are a couple of things to consider:

1. Does the engine management system have an octane sensor? This adjusts the timing to stop engine knock.

2. Do you have a distributorless ignition system? If so the crank position sensor might be dying a slow death.

3. Have you cleaned the throttle body recently? If not, try this. Use some throttle body cleaner and a clean rag to wipe out the goop on both sides of the "big flap".

4. Has the air filter been changed in the last 8 years?

5. Have you checked for any vacuum leaks?

6. Have you ever performed a fuel injection cleaning service?

7. Last but not least, the throttle position sensor might be just a bit "off".

The lower grade fuels will generally have more alcohol content and this will change the timing if the octane sensor is working OK. If it isn't woking OK then maybe your black box (computer) has the timing adjusted for a higher octane fuel.

You could try, if all else fails, to disconnect the battery (engine off) for a minute and this will "erase" any memory of engine timing or sensor signals in the black box.

Good Luck!

Answer 3

Could be the fuel injectors are gummed up and need to cleaned. Running with the higher octane makes it ignite (run) better but it's still not going to be as good as if it had clean injectors.

Try some injector cleaner, the kind you mix with a tank of gas should work fine but it could take several tank fulls with the cleaner in it to really clean them up.

Answer 4

Try another brand of gasoline (use another gas station). Replace your spark plugs if you have not done so recently. You should also replace the wires if you have not replaced them before (or recently).

Answer 5

it sounds like it might need a minor tune up on it ,when the plugs get a few miles on them they will take longer to start,you can take one out and look at it,to see if they need replacing,other wise ,it might not like the cheaper gas,but it should run on it,if its tuned well,good luck with it hope this helps

Answer 6

take it to autozone,tell them i sent you and they will hook up the scan tool, and they will retrieve all the codes for you, they may even fix it for free, or you can buy a haynes manual for $20 and there will be a bunch of pictures showing you what to do,good luck with it,hope this helps,and don,t forget to change your air and fuel filters too.