Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra Forum Discuss the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra here.

03 1500HD. She just quit running

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
  #1  
Old 10-19-2008, 03:55 PM
DeeDog55's Avatar
Beginner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
Default 03 1500HD. She just quit running

She ran great for 90,000 miles. One day on freeway she just shut off. She turns over and over but just wont fire. Cleaned out MAF and checked all fuses. Can't hear the fuel pump buzzing when key is on. Fuel filter is okay. I blew out fuel lines. This iswhere Im stuck. Hooked up pressure gauge to fuel line, andcan't get the gauge to read anything with key on. If fuel pump is bad, how hard is it to change.

State of California dosn't allow auto parts store to lend out Code Reading Devices. Typical political B.S.
 
  #2  
Old 10-19-2008, 04:22 PM
DamnYankee's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 408
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

There are two ways to change it:

The first is to drop the gas tank.

The second is to lift the bed.

If you choose to drop the tank, you need to lift the truck high enough so the tank will drop down and slide out from under the truck. It also has to be fairly low on gas so you can safely drop it and re-install it.

If you choose to lift the bed, have a few buddies over, unhook the fuel fill neck, unhook your taillights, remove the 8 bolts holding the bed on, everyone grab a corner, and lift it off. Unhook the fuel lines on top of the tank. Take a hammer and large flat bladed screw driver and tap the retaining ring loose. Lift out the bucket, and install pump. Reverse the process to put it back together.

In my experience, it's easiest to just remove the bed. The bed can be removed in about 15 minutes or less.
 
  #3  
Old 10-19-2008, 05:18 PM
DeeDog55's Avatar
Beginner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

Is there any codes that would confirm that the fuel pump is bad? Or what should I look for when i get codes from truck?
 
  #4  
Old 10-19-2008, 08:52 PM
rxsteven's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Wherever my job takes me
Posts: 1,460
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

Is the check engine lite on?
 
  #5  
Old 10-19-2008, 10:36 PM
DeeDog55's Avatar
Beginner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

The light is on. But it turned on a few weeks back. The dealership said its from a slight leak in the 4x4 system. So Im gonna plug into the truck tomorrow and try to get any codes.
 
  #6  
Old 10-20-2008, 10:27 AM
72charger's Avatar
TruckForum Addict
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,725
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

It definately sounds like the fuel pump has kicked the bucket. If you don't have a few people to help you lift the bed off, I say dropping the tank is far easier as long as it's not full. Plus it only takes one to drop the tank, assuming it isn't full. If it is full, you'll need an assistant to help you keep the tank level while you lower it on your jack. You also need a good sturdy jack. Not one of those little rinky dink $20 jacks from Wal-Mart. I'm talking about a JACK. And to be honest with you the truck won't have to be very high off the ground at all. Maybe 4-6inches at the most if I remember correctly, as long as it isn't lowered or anything. Me and my dad did this on his 00' Sierra in about 2 hours and that was REALLY taking our time with it. You could probably do it in about an hour if you had everything laid out and ready to go.

Those pumps are pricey though as I'm already sure you've discovered. One things for sure I wouldn't bother wasting any money getting the one from the Chevy dealership. They won't warranty it unless it's installed by them which means if it goes out again in 9 months, you've lost another $500+. Make sure you keep atleast a quarter tank of gas in your truck after doing this. That's why these things go out. People don't realize if they run the fuel low it let's the fuel pump get hot and burns them up quicker.
 
  #7  
Old 10-20-2008, 11:35 AM
DamnYankee's Avatar
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location:
Posts: 408
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

You can get a Walbro pump for a little over $100. Sometimes less than $100.
 
  #8  
Old 10-20-2008, 02:09 PM
DeeDog55's Avatar
Beginner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

Im going to do it! I have been known to run the tank pretty low. So the dead pump just keeps looking more and more like the culprit. I just hope I'm not missing some dumb wire or relay that would make this whole project useless. Thanks for the tip guys. I'll keep you posted.
 
  #9  
Old 10-21-2008, 02:53 PM
DeeDog55's Avatar
Beginner
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 21
Default RE: 03 1500HD. She just quit running

Went the dropping tank route. Took me and friend about 10 minutes. Filler hoes, two wire connectors, three fuel lines and the tank straps. Pretty easy even with half tank of gas. $273 pump from Auto Zone and she fired up on first crank. Thanks for all the help everybody.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
cubpak89
Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra Forum
1
06-29-2011 10:48 PM
dbelt
Ford Heavy Duty
1
09-15-2009 06:17 PM
3charms7
New Member Area
2
02-03-2008 11:44 AM
10ptman
Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra Forum
2
04-15-2006 12:09 AM
malecky
Chevy Silverado/ GMC Sierra Forum
2
11-29-2005 02:13 AM



Quick Reply: 03 1500HD. She just quit running



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:46 AM.