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damdash · Jun 27, 2008, 09:39 PM

I had just left work and about 5 minutes into driving my 98 yukon just killed. After rolling a block or two to get of the highway I tried to restart it. It was to late and dark to do anything so after around 4 unsuccessful attempts I left the truck there till the next day. When I went back I tried starting fluid 2 or 3 times and still no start. I hear the fuel pump come on and I checked the fuel line valve. I noticed that when I turn the key the gas needle goes from 1/4 to pass full and then back. It has spark. I was told it could be the computer. How likely would it be the computer? Also I had this problem about 2 years ago and my first thought was the fuel pump. When I dropped the tank I messed with the wiring and it started right up. Right now I am baffled as to what this may be. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

TxGreaseMonkey · Jun 27, 2008, 11:21 PM

. Check all under-dash and under-hood fuses with a test light or multimeter:

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-t...tml#post252145

Do this very carefully, since it could save you time and money later.

. Check for codes.

. Replace fuel filter. Check connections to fuel pump.

. Test/replace the Ignition Control Module and coil.

If problem persists, check the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

damdash · Jun 28, 2008, 10:03 AM

All of the fuses were good. Just wondering if I am getting spark why would I need to check the icm or the coil.

TxGreaseMonkey · Jun 28, 2008, 10:07 AM

Failing ICMs can fire, but not when the ECM really wants it to. In other words, they fire at the wrong time. They are sophisicated microchip components that are damaged by heat and problematic on all cars that have them.

90%+ of all "crank but won't start" situations are electrical related, not fuel. Since your truck won't even start with starting fluid, that makes me suspect there's an electrical problem--hence, I would check the ICM, coil, crankshaft position sensor, and ECM. Since you can hear the fuel pump run, I don't really suspect a problem there. There could be a problem with a clogged fuel filter, however, that's killing fuel pressure to the fuel rail and causing the truck to stall.

westnlas · Jun 28, 2008, 10:34 AM

I am concerned about not starting after you use the starter fluid. Does it even fire ? The fuel pump running should push the fuel to the injector rail. Honestly, I never had a filter clog so badly as to cause the truck not to run. Clogged filters overwork the pump and that burns out, generally. I am with tx, it sounds like the timing might be off. That can be caused by a lot of things, such as the crankshaft position sensor, throttle position sensor, main computer, etc. or even the timing chain (belt). Is there any way you can get the OBD code ?

TxGreaseMonkey · Jun 28, 2008, 10:49 AM

westnlas, my father's Tacoma has died in traffic, several times over the years, due to a clogged fuel filter. He knows how sensitive his truck is and carries tools and a spare filter, just in case.

damdash · Jul 4, 2008, 07:28 AM

Well I finally got the problem fixed. Come to find out the disttributor I had just put on there had burned partially around the center contact. Once I changed it and the rotor it started right up. This time I used dealer parts instead of the normal auto store. Now I have to deal with a blown head gasket. This is really starting to seem like the vehicle from hell.