Chevy Silverado P0135 And Won't Start

Question:
I have a 2000 Silverado with 5.3 engine. I had it to a shop for engine light. Code p0135 and misfires on #3 and 7. They replaced the oxygen sensor and plugs. Light still on. Also does not accelerate as good as it used to. Can you help?

Answer:
Yes, i think I can help. From my experience with that engine/truck, your problem leads me to believe that you may have a plugged/restricted catalytic converter on the drivers side. Back pressure test is the only way to be 100% sure. Have seen this condition before. The entire assembly will have to be replaced. It is a 'y' pipe assembly.

Check with your dealer if you have less than 80,000 miles because it may be covered under factory warranty.

Question:
A couple of weeks ago, I parked my truck and went for a run about an hour later I got back into my truck and tried to start it. The engine turned over but the truck would not start. I had to call a tow truck, and the driver of the tow truck told me that since he could still notice exhaust that it must be a fuel cell problem. 1998 Chevy Silverado. Engine size = 350 5.7L Vortec. Repairs: Bought a new fuel pump and installed it myself. Unfortunately drove it the next day, ran good for a little bit then had the same problem and the car would not move, while stopped at a red light.

He told me of his nephew who could do it for a great deal, and I agreed to have him fix it the following weekend. Unfortunately the guys nephew was a no show and didn't even answer his phone. My father and I decided to fix it ourselves. We bought a new fuel pump and installed it, first time either of us had done it, but we did.

I drove the truck around the block and it seemed to work just fine. The next day I took it out to drive and while stopped at a red light near an intersection I heard a click and noticed I had no RPM, I took my foot of the brake and even tried accelerating but my truck wouldn't move.

I turned off the truck and tried to crank it back up and I had the same problem the engine turned but the car will not turn on. Is there any advice you can give me for why this is still happening? Do you know of the costs for repairing this professionally? Any advice would be appreciated, this problem has become a great inconvenience. Thank you.

Answer:
There could be a couple different things causing your problem. Did you change the fuel filter when you replaced the fuel pump? If it was extremely clogged, that would have been the reason that the first pump went out and would have done the same thing to a new pump. Also, if you used a cheap aftermarket fuel pump, it could have gone bad already.

I've seen numerous times people trying to go the cheaper route and end up having to do the job more than once. You get what you pay for in these circumstances, so if you haven't already, you need to replace the fuel pump with a genuine GM unit. I would also check the wiring to make sure it isn't pinched or shorting out causing the pump to fail. Check for blown fuses, or a bad fuel pump relay as well.