Fuel Pump problems of the 1999 Chevrolet Tahoe

While driving at 70 mph vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. Dealer examined the vehicle and determined that the fuel pump was defective.

Regarding your defect investigation peo4042 fuel system, gasoline delivery, fuel pump, 2000 - 2001 Chevrolet suburban: complaint that fuel pump wiring overheats, resulting in engine stall and fuel leakage from the top of the tank: fyi, this is a common problem with all 1996 and newer Chevrolet / GMC gasoline engine trucks, all of which have the vortec engine series. This engine requires high fuel pump pressure (55 - 60 psi), which requires high electrical current for the pump, particularly under conditions of high fuel demand, such as towing (the circuit has a 20 amp fuse). Possible root causes of the problem may (1) inadequate wire gauge to the pump, causing a voltage drop and consequently high current draw; (2) high resistance at the fuel pump connector; (3) restricted fuel filter; (4) running the tank low on fuel; (5) increased frictional drag in the pump with high mileage. Unfortunately, there is no recommended "fix" other than to change the fuel filter often, keep the tank over 1/2 full, and replace the fuel pump every 30,000 miles ($600 repair at a gm dealer). I became aware of the problem when the fuel pump fuse blew in my 1999 Tahoe at 33,000 miles, stranding us in a remote part of montana. The cause was shorted wires at the fuel pump, requiring replacement of the pump. A search of the chevy truck owner's website (google) will show many owner complaints and suggested fixes for the problem.

Fuel pump failed on the highway, causing the vehicle to stop without warning. Mileage was only 33,100 at the time. I have searched a Chevrolet truck owners website (google alt. Trucks. Chevy - advanced search: fuel pump) and found many reports of fuel pump and/or fuel pump fuse failure in 1996-2001 chevy trucks. The typical failure seems to be melting of wires inside the pump, causing internal shorting, which was the failure in my vehicle. Failures were reported typically at 30,000-75,000 miles. Failure can be intermittant and difficult to diagnose. An additional cause of fuel pump fuse blowing is shorting of the oil pressure switch, which is in the fuel pump circuit. Repair was covered under my gm extended warranty, but would have otherwise cost approximately $700.

Vehicle stalled out due to a fire started by the fuel pump, which burnt through the gas tank. Wire going to fuel pump shorted out on frame causing fire resulting in damage to the vehicle.

While vehicle was parked noticed fuel pump was leaking fuel. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by mechanic that the top of fuel pump, the electrical connector, was causing it to leak. Problem was repairable.

Vehicle was parked in garage & owner noticed fuel leaking from fuel pump. Took vehicle to dealership & was informed by mechanic that top of fuel pump's electrical connector was causing the leakage. Fuel leakage problem is repairable.

While traveling 35 mph and without any indication vehicle shutdown. Vehicle was serviced, and technician noticed fuel pump needed to be replaced. Please provide further information.