SureTrack Real Fix: Return to Sender

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Real Fixes from the SureTrack® expert information resource are documented issues from actual shop repair records and community discussions. Read on to see how SureTrack can help you correct issues that are not easily diagnosed using OEM information alone. SureTrack is available at no additional cost in our ProDemand product.

Here’s another case of an intermittent condition that is frustrating a technician. Especially when it turns out to be a simple fix. SureTrack community member jaybeerepair had a Chevrolet S10 pickup in their shop that had a stalling condition when warm but they had a hard time tracking down the cause. They posed the question to the community, and with the help of fellow community member Ericsautomotive and others, they were able to resolve the issue quickly.

The following Community Fix summarizes the interaction between members of the community that led to the solution.

Vehicle
1999 Chevrolet S10 Pickup 2.2L

Title
Intermittent stalling, replaced oil pressure sender.

Complaint
Customer states that vehicle stalls when warm.

Diagnostic Steps Performed/Parts Replaced
No current codes, no current or history misfires shown in scanner. Fuel pressure and volume tests passed per spec. No OE volume specs – used old school teachings of 1 pint in 15 seconds = a pass for volume. Fuel pressure holds for well over 20 minutes after key off, so not bleeding off. Customer requested replacing fuel filter due to age – not plugged – no difference made. Scoped ignition secondary – all looks good. Due to common nature and warm condition stall we replaced ignition coils with OE units and the crank sensor. Used a DVOM to OHM test injectors, all passed at 2.1 ohm. Using a Power Probe 4 we checked the injectors – and compared readings. #2 cylinder has a higher inductive voltage spike at 98-100 kV vs the others at 56-58 kV. All other scanner data appears normal.

My question is this, would that additional kV usage be enough to shut down the fuel drivers due to the common power feed, even though they are all ECM controlled individually ? I know the injector will need to be replaced however I have a suspicion of a failing ignition module – just can’t prove it at this time.

Good Answer from Community Member Ericsautomotive
I’ve replaced several ICMs over the years for this exact symptom. I also agree they are almost impossible to test when they become an intermittent problem. “Replace with known good part” is about the only way to test.

Cause
We replaced the ICM. Resulted in same stalling issue. After some more research, we noticed that there was no PID on our scanner for the oil pressure sender/switch – so we obvioiusly glossed over it. We have the latest Snap-On Verus scanner with updated software. I called Snap-On and they verified that PID is NOT displayed per GM not doing it? Due to the sender being pretty cheap we installed one, bingo problem solved. Currently we have test drove vehicle almost 100 miles with no problems. Case solved.

Correction
Replaced oil pressure sender/switch. Test drove vehicle and stalling condition did not return.

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About the Author

Nick Taylor

Nick Taylor is the SureTrack Community Administrator and a Senior Applications Specialist at Mitchell 1 with over 25 years of experience with electronic repair data systems. Nick previously worked in the automotive dismantling and engine rebuilding industries.