2001 2.2L hard start

ldyson01 · 10-29-2009, 03:22 PM

I am a new S10 owner, just bought it last Saturday, and as of yesterday and today I have noticed that the truck is starting to take a while to start. Also the truck seems a little sluggish on acceleration. I will say that I previously owned a Saturn SL2 before this, so maybe it's just the way the S10's accelerate with a 4 in them.

Right now its just coming up on 100k miles and I have new plugs and wires I was going to change this weekend. I haven't had a chance to go through the fuel system but I plan on getting a new fuel filter soon.

What about the alternators? Do they just give out on these, or go slowly? And I am used to about 75k before the alternator gives out, is this the same on these?

Thanks
Luke

702s10 · 10-29-2009, 05:24 PM

Check your fuel pressure at the rail, there is a schrader valve in front of the intake manifold. Sounds like possibly your fuel pump going, but check your fuel pressure before you spend any $$ on it. Search for the pressure specs, I'm not sure what they are. Fifty something with the engine running I think...

Also, my alternator went at around 110,xxx. When it went, it went. I was able to get it home but only at around 7 volts.

jrossty · 10-30-2009, 11:16 AM

I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs.

dmax · 10-30-2009, 11:18 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jrossty

I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs.

i do the same thing

jrossty · 10-30-2009, 11:29 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by dmax

i do the same thing

dmax, I like to think of it like there's a little gremlin in there physically having to prime a pump...

ok, too much coffee this morning...

ldyson01 · 10-30-2009, 01:00 PM

Thanks guys for the info.

I will check the fuel pressure and see how it compares to the specs. This morning I had touble again starting it, turned the key for about 5 seconds and it wouldn't start, second time I tried it started right up. So I will try just leaving the key in the on position for a few seconds then try to start and see what happens.

Has anyone replaced the fuel pump on these? I know in my Fiero we have to drop the fuel tank to get to the pump. I picked up a Haynes manual for this truck, is there any variation to the procedures in that book for changing the pump if its bad?

Luke

jrossty · 10-30-2009, 02:17 PM

I wouldn't automatically assume anything is bad just yet... Try running some fuel injection cleaner through it... I use STP, but most any would prolly work.

ldyson01 · 10-30-2009, 04:21 PM

Well I went out at lunch time today and was going to get lunch and pickup a few tools from the autoparts store. I went to start it and it wouldn't fire up. It would crank and crank and would not even begin to fire at all.

Tow truck came and took it away. I bought it from a dodge dealership so they said if I had the work done at a dodge dealership there would not need to be a reimbursement for the labor and parts. So I am now waiting to see what the local dodge dealer says about the problem.

jrossty · 10-30-2009, 04:32 PM

I wonder if the plugs have ever been changed??... Start with the cheap stuff first...

702s10 · 10-30-2009, 06:08 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jrossty

I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs.

You shouldn't have to do this. If you do, it sounds like your fuel system isn't holding pressure.

comics22 · 10-30-2009, 07:30 PM

well if its a cold start in the morning he may, might not be holding exactly but this remedies the problem. i think mine takes 2-3 to start. if its sat awhile(few days) then yea i let it prime up real good then try to strt

ldyson01 · 11-03-2009, 12:14 PM

Well the dealer called me back about this today and said it is the fuel pump that went out and it would cost $1000 to repair. They also said the fuel pump wasn't covered under the warranty.

So I am pretty pissed about this not being covered, and everywhere I search on the interenet says they buyer is basically screwed in this type of situation, since I bought it used. So I am trying to keep my cool about this, but it's not easy.

I called a to get an OEM price on a fuel pump and they said you have to buy the pump and sender unit which is very expensive, he quoted me $550. Is this right? I have no other choice but to pay that?

Luke

cuevl · 11-03-2009, 12:46 PM

Where are yo located at? Check out the Autzone's/Oreiley, etc... autopart stores, fuel pumps are roughly 300.

Does the 550 include labor and parts?

If your up for it put that Haynes manual to use and do it yourself.

ForeverScorned · 11-03-2009, 12:52 PM

the pump is 300 and can be found on ebay for around 120 ish, and do not pay 1000 to have it done. Just get a buddy to help you take off the bed and do it yourself, its not much of a hassle at all.

nstoolman1 · 11-03-2009, 12:57 PM

This isn't Russia. You don't have to do anything. Get that truck home. Pull the bed. Remove the pump. Next choice is gut it out and put a pump and filter in-line designed for fuel injection, or get an after market pump and install in tank. It is a simple solution to a simple problem. Making sue of course that the dealer isn't scamming you and it is a loose ground wire or a feed wire problem.

ForeverScorned beat me to it. His way works too.

ldyson01 · 11-03-2009, 01:06 PM

Thanks for posting other options, I think I am just frustrated so its harder for me to think things through.

I have the Haynes manual and it says to remove the fuel tank from below. You guys are mentioning removing the bed to change the pump, is there a sticky thread somewhere on doing it that way?

Luke

702s10 · 11-03-2009, 04:01 PM

It's really simple. There are 8 bolts holding the bed down, and 3 for the filler neck where your gas cap is. What some members do is unbolt the drivers side of the bed completely, loosen the passenger side bed bolts enough so that the bed can be tipped instead of taking it all the way off. When you do it, make sure wires are free from the bed like the taillight harness, etc. From there it's really easy, there's a metal snap ring holding the sending unit into the tank, pop it out and it should pop up fairly easily.

From there it depends on which route you're going for the fuel pump. You can either replace the in-tank one, or put an inline on it. My msd-2225 inline pump is louder than hell and you probably wouldn't want to deal with that, but it is easy to install and only ~$100.

When you go to put the sending unit back into the tank, there is a blue o-ring that seals the sending unit to the tank. REPLACE THIS O-RING to make your life easier. It is a $10 item from the dealer.

Blownexploder94 · 11-03-2009, 09:04 PM

i would not put any other brand pump in it, i would only want to do it once

ldyson01 · 11-04-2009, 02:46 PM

What does VIN = 5 mean? Is there a way to tell by VIN number if your truck is a flex-fuel truck? I thought it was just a regular 2001 2.2L engine, but when I pull up different sites for fuel pumps, I see most of them list pumps for flex-fuel with this VIN = 5.

I called GM Parts and they gave me a part number of 15129825, but I see other part numbers listed that these pumps cross to.

I just want to make sure I get the right pump.

Luke

ldyson01 · 11-07-2009, 08:05 PM

Well today I finally had time to work on this, and here is what I found out.

The fuel problem ended up being the fuel filter, not sure why the dealer's $100,000 computer told him it was the pump, but it wasn't I put my head down by the tank and had my dad turn the key, sure enough it was whirrring away. I changed the filter and the truck started right up.

I found out if the 8th digit in your VIN is a 5, then it's a flex-fuel engine. Mine apparently is.

Thank you guys for giving me the pointers on doing the pump change had it been needed.

Luke

10-29-2009, 03:22 PM	#1
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	2001 2.2L hard start I am a new S10 owner, just bought it last Saturday, and as of yesterday and today I have noticed that the truck is starting to take a while to start. Also the truck seems a little sluggish on acceleration. I will say that I previously owned a Saturn SL2 before this, so maybe it's just the way the S10's accelerate with a 4 in them. Right now its just coming up on 100k miles and I have new plugs and wires I was going to change this weekend. I haven't had a chance to go through the fuel system but I plan on getting a new fuel filter soon. What about the alternators? Do they just give out on these, or go slowly? And I am used to about 75k before the alternator gives out, is this the same on these? Thanks Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-29-2009, 05:24 PM	#2
702s10 Just turned 18 Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 841 Location: Las Vegas User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Check your fuel pressure at the rail, there is a schrader valve in front of the intake manifold. Sounds like possibly your fuel pump going, but check your fuel pressure before you spend any $$ on it. Search for the pressure specs, I'm not sure what they are. Fifty something with the engine running I think... Also, my alternator went at around 110,xxx. When it went, it went. I was able to get it home but only at around 7 volts.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 11:16 AM	#3
jrossty Rhasta the Lobstah Age: 30 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Kenton, OH User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 11:18 AM	#4
dmax Registered User Age: 26 Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 195 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Quote: Originally Posted by jrossty I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs. i do the same thing
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 11:29 AM	#5
jrossty Rhasta the Lobstah Age: 30 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Kenton, OH User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Quote: Originally Posted by dmax i do the same thing dmax, I like to think of it like there's a little gremlin in there physically having to prime a pump... ok, too much coffee this morning...
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 01:00 PM	#6
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Thanks guys for the info. I will check the fuel pressure and see how it compares to the specs. This morning I had touble again starting it, turned the key for about 5 seconds and it wouldn't start, second time I tried it started right up. So I will try just leaving the key in the on position for a few seconds then try to start and see what happens. Has anyone replaced the fuel pump on these? I know in my Fiero we have to drop the fuel tank to get to the pump. I picked up a Haynes manual for this truck, is there any variation to the procedures in that book for changing the pump if its bad? Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 02:17 PM	#7
jrossty Rhasta the Lobstah Age: 30 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Kenton, OH User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start I wouldn't automatically assume anything is bad just yet... Try running some fuel injection cleaner through it... I use STP, but most any would prolly work.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 04:21 PM	#8
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Well I went out at lunch time today and was going to get lunch and pickup a few tools from the autoparts store. I went to start it and it wouldn't fire up. It would crank and crank and would not even begin to fire at all. Tow truck came and took it away. I bought it from a dodge dealership so they said if I had the work done at a dodge dealership there would not need to be a reimbursement for the labor and parts. So I am now waiting to see what the local dodge dealer says about the problem.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 04:32 PM	#9
jrossty Rhasta the Lobstah Age: 30 Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 281 Location: Kenton, OH User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start I wonder if the plugs have ever been changed??... Start with the cheap stuff first...
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 06:08 PM	#10
702s10 Just turned 18 Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 841 Location: Las Vegas User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Quote: Originally Posted by jrossty I usually turn the key on for about 5 seconds before starting my truck, letting the fuel pump run. Otherwise the starter will crank a good 3-4 seconds as the fuel pump runs. You shouldn't have to do this. If you do, it sounds like your fuel system isn't holding pressure.
	[Reply w/Quote]

10-30-2009, 07:30 PM	#11
comics22 Pac is a hackin! Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6,124 Location: Middle of freakin IL User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start well if its a cold start in the morning he may, might not be holding exactly but this remedies the problem. i think mine takes 2-3 to start. if its sat awhile(few days) then yea i let it prime up real good then try to strt
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 12:14 PM	#12
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Well the dealer called me back about this today and said it is the fuel pump that went out and it would cost $1000 to repair. They also said the fuel pump wasn't covered under the warranty. So I am pretty pissed about this not being covered, and everywhere I search on the interenet says they buyer is basically screwed in this type of situation, since I bought it used. So I am trying to keep my cool about this, but it's not easy. I called a to get an OEM price on a fuel pump and they said you have to buy the pump and sender unit which is very expensive, he quoted me $550. Is this right? I have no other choice but to pay that? Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 12:46 PM	#13
cuevl Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 24 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Where are yo located at? Check out the Autzone's/Oreiley, etc... autopart stores, fuel pumps are roughly 300. Does the 550 include labor and parts? If your up for it put that Haynes manual to use and do it yourself.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 12:52 PM	#14
ForeverScorned Im a Mexican, SO WHAT! Age: 22 Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 3,096 Location: Lufkin, TX User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start the pump is 300 and can be found on ebay for around 120 ish, and do not pay 1000 to have it done. Just get a buddy to help you take off the bed and do it yourself, its not much of a hassle at all.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 12:57 PM	#15
nstoolman1 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 112 Location: Southern California User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start This isn't Russia. You don't have to do anything. Get that truck home. Pull the bed. Remove the pump. Next choice is gut it out and put a pump and filter in-line designed for fuel injection, or get an after market pump and install in tank. It is a simple solution to a simple problem. Making sue of course that the dealer isn't scamming you and it is a loose ground wire or a feed wire problem. ForeverScorned beat me to it. His way works too. Last edited by nstoolman1 : 11-03-2009 at 12:59 PM.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 01:06 PM	#16
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Thanks for posting other options, I think I am just frustrated so its harder for me to think things through. I have the Haynes manual and it says to remove the fuel tank from below. You guys are mentioning removing the bed to change the pump, is there a sticky thread somewhere on doing it that way? Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 04:01 PM	#17
702s10 Just turned 18 Age: 24 Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 841 Location: Las Vegas User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start It's really simple. There are 8 bolts holding the bed down, and 3 for the filler neck where your gas cap is. What some members do is unbolt the drivers side of the bed completely, loosen the passenger side bed bolts enough so that the bed can be tipped instead of taking it all the way off. When you do it, make sure wires are free from the bed like the taillight harness, etc. From there it's really easy, there's a metal snap ring holding the sending unit into the tank, pop it out and it should pop up fairly easily. From there it depends on which route you're going for the fuel pump. You can either replace the in-tank one, or put an inline on it. My msd-2225 inline pump is louder than hell and you probably wouldn't want to deal with that, but it is easy to install and only ~$100. When you go to put the sending unit back into the tank, there is a blue o-ring that seals the sending unit to the tank. REPLACE THIS O-RING to make your life easier. It is a $10 item from the dealer.
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-03-2009, 09:04 PM	#18
Blownexploder94 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 89 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start i would not put any other brand pump in it, i would only want to do it once
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-04-2009, 02:46 PM	#19
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start What does VIN = 5 mean? Is there a way to tell by VIN number if your truck is a flex-fuel truck? I thought it was just a regular 2001 2.2L engine, but when I pull up different sites for fuel pumps, I see most of them list pumps for flex-fuel with this VIN = 5. I called GM Parts and they gave me a part number of 15129825, but I see other part numbers listed that these pumps cross to. I just want to make sure I get the right pump. Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]

11-07-2009, 08:05 PM	#20
ldyson01 Registered User Age: 36 Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 11 Location: User is: OffLine	Re: 2001 2.2L hard start Well today I finally had time to work on this, and here is what I found out. The fuel problem ended up being the fuel filter, not sure why the dealer's $100,000 computer told him it was the pump, but it wasn't I put my head down by the tank and had my dad turn the key, sure enough it was whirrring away. I changed the filter and the truck started right up. I found out if the 8th digit in your VIN is a 5, then it's a flex-fuel engine. Mine apparently is. Thank you guys for giving me the pointers on doing the pump change had it been needed. Luke
	[Reply w/Quote]