Q: Ocassioanl stalling at idle, RPMs fluctuate at idle - 1995 Chevrolet K2500 Suburban

asked by on September 02, 2016

I have no problem starting the vehicle after it sat for the night, when the engine is still cold. When I drive it, park it for a short while and then get back to continue driving, I would be able to start it right away. However, the truck would turn off as soon as the key is back into the run position. So I have to keep it running for a while, and hold the fuel longer. Then the RPM would start fluctuating a lot and it would continue until I put it in gear. The idling would jump up, then drop down so much that it seems that the vehicle would stall. There are no more problems after I have put it in gear and accelerated. So, it stalls only when I try to start it after it was driven and sat for a short time. During idling, the RPMs would ocassionally go around 2900 and then gradually become normal. The repairs I've done so far include the replacement of the spark plugs, fuel filter and injectors. Also, I had the distributor, fuel pump and coil replaced. All the parts are new. Do you have any idea what might cause the stalling?

You either have a leaking injector that is dripping fuel after you shut off the engine and causing a flooded engine and will cause the hard start and erratic running conditions. You could also have a fuel pressure regulator or purge valve that is leaking. The fuel pressure regulator will need to be tested with a gauge and the purge valve tested with a vacuum pump and hose to see if it is leaking vapors when the engine is off. The purge valve may be leaking too much vapor and would show up after running and shutting it off or after getting fuel. The excessive vapors will flood the engine and cause the hard start or stall, and rough or high idles. If you would like to have this checked, a qualified pro from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the stalling problem and high idle to ensure proper repair.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Side of my car is touching the ground
Nissan just issued a recall NHTSA Campaign #15V573000 dated 9/17/2015 that the dealer will replace the two front coil springs. You should have or will receive the recall from Nissan. You should contact your dealer and schedule the repairs as...
What make/model is most like Saturn
There are too many cars out there that are the same size of the Saturn. None of the newer cars have plastic fenders and doors. The Saturn had its fair share of engine problems. I would recommend you look at...
Should I try to salvage my car that has a knocking noise do to insufficient supply of oil or do I just buy a new car?
Hello, thank you for writing in. With the issues you are having, the problem may be more serious then the car is worth. You will want to consider all of the potential costs to have it fixed. This may require...
What gear oil do I need for a 2006 for escape
A synthetic grade 75W140 will work just fine for the differential. To be certain, check the specifications section of your owner's manual. One of our mobile technicians can perform a differential service (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/differential-gear-oil-replacement) for you whether is 2 or 4...
Engine and trans replace labor hours 2010 Ford Transit Connect 2.0
Hello - unfortunately this is not a service YourMechanic offers at this time. Thanks for thinking of us though!
Whining noise while steering
Hi There, A whining noise is definitely a classic sign of either low power steering fluid or a power steering pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-pump-replacement) that is beginning to fail. The power steering system works on a very high pressurized system that works...
What is involved in the 30,000 mile tune-up for a 2015 Jeep Patriot?
Hi There, The 30,000 mile service for your Jeep Patriot should include the following: Engine oil (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/change-oil-and-filter) (Change) Air filter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-filter-replacement) (Replace) Spark plugs (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/spark-plugs-replacement) (Replace) Oil filter (Replace) Wheels & tires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/rotate-tires) (Rotate) Other items that should be inspected...
My engine sounds like I revving once I start it even with my foot on gas pedal constantly
It sounds like you are describing the symptoms of a failing throttle position sensor. The throttle position sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/throttle-position-sensor-replacement) monitors the throttle position of the throttle plate inside the throttle body in relation to your foot position on the gas...

Related articles

Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Clutch Cable
If your manual car's transmission is slipping out of gear or clutch pedal is hard or sinking to the floor, you may have to replace the clutch cable.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Cylinder Head Temperature Sensor
Common signs include long cranking time, engine performance issues, and the Check Engine Light coming on.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Shift Selector Cable
Common signs include the indicator not matching the gear and the vehicle not turning off, starting in another gear, or not going into gear at all.