OK, yesterday in my 2001 I was at the gas station filling up and once I was done, I got in the truck, turned the key and it simple would not start. Again, no start...wait, again no start...just turned over, repeat, wait again...same.

Then about 15 minutes later, for no apparent reason, after calling the spouse to come assist, it started up fine, as if there was never a problem. What on earth was this all about?

Not very enjoyable, especially with kids waiting for me to get to soccer practice. Please advise!

 

Check all of your connections at the battery and starter.Most likely something is loose.Could also be corroded.Have your battery load tested also.

 

You were pumping Citgo gas didn't you?!? I knew it! You should be ashamed of yourself.

 

No, not Citgo gas! And even more interesting, it has not a single hiccup or hesitation since then.

I do have one thought that maybe someone can give me some insight on. I do have a bad habit of waiting until the fuel light comes on to re-fill (at times, not always).

Could there be truth to the rumor that this is not a good idea and maybe some sort of crud from my tank and got into teh fuel system? If so, then where did the nasty particles go to make this resolve itself?

 

Waiting until the Low Fuel light comes on to refill will usually mean trouble down the road. Fuel pumps are liquid (fuel) cooled and driving with low or very low fuel will most likely mean premature pump failure.

When was the last time you replaced the fuel filter?

 

It has 35K on it, bought it used from a dealer with about 21K. I've not touched or even looked a t the fuel filter yet at all... I know, slap my hands!

So...where is the bugger on this truck (2001)?

 

Mine isn't a 2001 but I believe it should be in the same location, i.e nicely tucked in the drivers side frame rails. In other words, it's directly below you. (Under the truck of course, not inside the cab LOL)

Do a search, there are a zillion threads about what's involved in replacing the filter. Some swear it's impossible, others say it's easy as pie. I guess I'm lucky, mine was easy as pie.

 

THANKS, I'd imagine easy as pie. Nothing, I repeat NOTHING was as miserable as trying to remove the front spring hangers for the rear leafs to lower the back end.

If I can spend all hours grinding, banging and beating those things out of the frame, I think finding and swapping the fuel filter should not be too difficult!