GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Pickup Models

If the engine stalls and you think that you have run out of fuel, do this to restart your engine:

Caution: Diesel fuel is flammable. It could start a fire if it gets on hot engine parts. You could be burned. Do not let too much fuel flow from the air bleed valve, and wipe up any spilled fuel with a cloth.

  1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least two gallons of fuel. However, if you are parked on a slope, you may need to add up to five gallons of fuel.
  2. Follow the fuel priming procedure earlier in this section to prime the fuel filter.
  3. Close the air bleed valve.
  4. Turn the ignition key to START for 10 to 15 seconds at a time until your engine starts. If the engine tries to run, but does not run smoothly, increase the rpm a little using the accelerator pedal. This will help force air through the system.

Van Models

If the engine stalls and you think that you may have run out of fuel, do this to restart your engine:

  1. If you are parked on a level surface, add at least one gallon of fuel. However, if you are parked on a slope, you may need to add up to five gallons of fuel.
  2. Follow the vehicle fuel system priming procedure earlier in this section to re-prime the system and re-start the engine.

Your check engine light may come on if the vehicle has run out of fuel. This light may stay on for a few drive cycles after the condition is corrected, but will eventually clear itself.