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1998 GMC Safari won't start after sitting overnight (sometimes)

 
missjean missjean
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 01/07
Posted: 01/30/07
08:20 PM

I am experiencing a very peculiar problem with my 1998 GMC Safari.  Usually, I have no problem starting it, and it runs fine.  However, at least once a week, after sitting overnight, it will not start.  The fuel pump has been changed (twice) and I have had it checked out several times with no success.  It has been towed to several mechanics' garages (after not starting at home) only to start as soon as it gets to the garage!  Two days ago the van started briefly, but shut down almost immediately.  It has been checked out by an electrical specialist, but he, as well as all of the other mechanics need to examine the vehicle when it is NOT running, but, as I said, it always starts as soon as the tow truck lowers it.  I should add that if I ever get that first start in the morning, the van is "good to go" for the rest of the day.  (I do courier work and can do as many as 30 starts a day)!  If anyone else has had a problem like this please advise what was done to rectify it.  Thanks for your help!  

 
dlatch dlatch
New User | Posts: 1 | Joined: 02/07
Posted: 02/09/07
07:16 PM

It sounds stupid but wiggle the negative battery lead with the ignition turned on, once you hear the door chime your good to go.
Worked for me. The cable end got oxidized and may need cleaning  

 
MasterMind MasterMind
User | Posts: 80 | Joined: 12/06
Posted: 02/10/07
12:40 AM

Hi Missjean
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but can almost gurantee you its the fuel pump, i know you said its been changed twice, but with what, if they used aftermarket pumps they wasted your money time and are now causing you aggrivation, the fuel systems on your piticular vehicle are very picky, anything not within factory specs and they just dont like to run. I can tell you a for sure way to check it yourself,might even save you a tow bill,all you need is a good sized rubber mallet and someone to assist you, preferably someone who wont mind laying down on the ground for you, when it happens again, someone needs to be cranking the engine while the other person gives the fuel tank a couple of good smacks right in the middle of the tank, if it starts make sure a delco replacement is used, unfortunatly they come as a "module" assembly and are close to $500 but otherwise youll just continue to have problems  

 

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