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Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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rrwood
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Dec 29, 2016, 5:20 PM
Post #1 of 7
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Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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I've done a lot of Googling and been to a mechanic, but no definitive answer on this one yet.
I have a 2003 GMC Savana that runs great, once it's started. It's stubborn to start though in that when I turn the key to the on/run position, the dash gauges and warning lights freak out for 5-10 seconds before settling to normal levels. If I try to start it while the gauges are jittering, the engine cranks but does not start. If I wait until the gauges settle, it starts perfectly.
As well, the engine will occasionally/infrequently just cut out while driving without warning. If I slip it into neutral, turn the key to off, and then restart, it starts immediately.
Battery and starter motor were replaced a few weeks ago, but that did not help.
Given that the dash gauges freak out and settle, I'm 99% sure this is electrical. Maybe a weak ground connection? Possibly a bad ignition switch, though I struggle to see how that would lead to initial gauge craziness that would settle.
Any thoughts, folks?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 29, 2016, 5:22 PM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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Do these things happen simultaneously?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 29, 2016, 8:18 PM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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Which engine and what series?
Any codes stored in the engine controller? If so, what are the numbers? Do you have access to a scan tool that can access the other modules in the van?
Make sure your battery tests good and your connections are clean and tight first. Note: don't disconnect the battery until you scan for codes.
Has any work been done on the van prior to the problem?
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
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rrwood
New User
Dec 30, 2016, 6:50 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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The starting problem is very consistent, and happens every time.
The stalling is very intermittent and happens very infrequently, and only after the van has been driving for a while.
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rrwood
New User
Dec 30, 2016, 6:53 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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The engine is the V8, 2500 series.
No ODB codes, unfortunately. That would have been nice, but no luck with that.
I'll check on the electrical connections today, since that seems likely.
It was also suggested to me that it might be a fuel pump issue, which would make some sense for the delayed starting and intermittent stalling behaviour, though not the crazy dash gauges.
No other work on the van leading up to the problems.
Thanks....
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Dec 30, 2016, 2:44 PM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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It's a V8? That's your answer?
That narrows it down from 4 engines to 3.
We need a specific engine size.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 30, 2016, 5:18 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: Dash gauges jitter then settle, stubborn starting, occasional stalls
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What is the fuel pressure when it has its stubborn starting issue? Does the fuel pressure hold when the pump stops running? You could hook a meter or scope up and monitor voltages and grounds to the cluster to see if power or ground is being interrupted or has high resistance or low voltages causing the cluster to freak out. Inspecting grounds and harnesses is a good start. Do really good visual. Wiggle harnesses and connectors while the engine is running to see if you can induce a stall. Inspect the PCM connectors because sometimes the PCM gets corroded from salt, if you live in a salt state, since it lives right on the inner edge of the fender where water can drip down onto it.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 30, 2016, 5:25 PM)
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