Hello, friends. I recently noticed a problem with my truck. It's an 04 (LB7) with about 18k miles.


In the past, I have owned a 2001 Duramax and never experienced this. So far, my 2004 has been wonderful with no problems to complain about, save for some unwanted suspension noises/squeeks. On two occasions in the last week, however, I've had this happen:


1) I pulled into a parking space. After shutting off the truck, I realized I was pretty crooked and decided to straighten her out. I turned the key, the truck started for about 2 seconds and then died. I turned her over again, and she started again, but died again after about 2 seconds. Same thing the third time. I checked the fuel level--full tank. Nervous, I waited for a few minutes--maybe 5. I tried it again, and she started up just fine.


2) I pulled into a grocery store lot to visit the ATM inside. When I returned to the truck and started it, it died. Two more tries, and it died after starting momentarily. So, I gave it a few minutes. Tried again, and it started fine.


Once it's running, it runs smoothly and without any blips. Idles perfect. Accelerates perfect. And strangely, this starting problem doesn't happen every time. Mornings, it fires right up. Both times it's happened, the truck has already been warmed up.


Here's some background. I have the Edge Juice/Attitude and normally run on level 5 (but I'm not always hammering it). The second time this problem happened (grocery store), I turned the power level to 0 (stock), but that didn't seem to have any effect on its ability to start. I have changed the oil religiously at 1,500 miles, 5,000 miles, and every 5,000 since then. I changed the fuel filter at 10,000 miles--new one isn't leaking. I normally use some FPPF Total power additive or Redline fuel additive when I fill up. No idiot lights have come on (except the one looking like an automobile with a padlock on it, which I've been unable to find in my manual--I'm assuming it has something to do with security, however).


Anyone have any ideas? Bad fuel? Injector problem? Electrical (doubt it)?


Please offer any suggestions, and I thank you in advance.


~Terel

When did you replace the fuel filter? Did you problem start right after that? The fuel system is under vacuum, so you would not always see a leak. You would get air in the system and it would die. The only thing that I can think of that would go a way after a few minutes would be a vacuum on the fuel causing something like a vapor lock? Next time try removing the fuel cap and see if it starts then. Maybe the vent is clogged? It sounds like you have a fuel supply issue, but it has to be just the right conditions, i.e. something is changing and you have a window where it's a no go. Sorry I can't be much more help.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/smiley5.gif

Sounds like the passlock system is screwed up. Maybe your key isn't sending the code. Try and have your spare key with you and switch to it after this happens. Of course this is just a wild guess, but worth a try before you take it to the dealer.

Get this documented at the dealer you have service your truck NOW!!!


It definitely sounds like you have a faulty passlock system. Unfortunately, Unless they changed the keys on the '04's and put a chip back in them, it's in the computer/ignition switch/instrument cluster/? or any combination.


Had a Grand Am that did this. About $1300 later it was running good enough and not doing it that we dumped it and quick. It did the exact same thing. We tried changing the ignition swtich first but as bad luck would have it, the computer AND the instrument cluster went out together. They both are part of the passlock system on THAT vehicle. Don't know how ours are.

There is interesting information from DmaxalliTech which address a problem similar to yours allready posted on this forum. I think that it is on the next page.


Do you really have your Edge/Attitude set on level 5 all of the time?


Just curious, good luck!