Hello,
My 2016 Silverado 1500 with 50k miles has been running rich and I need a few ideas on what to try/check/change. While it was still under warranty I took it to a couple locations and only received a song and a dance; while that was entertaining it didn't really fix my problem. It's no longer under warranty and the gas smell has recently been getting worse (or so my wife claims). I've tried replacing the engine air filter (although it was relatively clean) to no effect. The only other thing I can think of is maybe the sensor went bad on it. Any suggestions before I drop some $ on this? The gas smell is constant, whether idling, driving, etc. Only issue other than the smell is it makes a short 0.5s squeak every now and then when I start to accelerate...thinking this is just a belt that's a little loose.
Also, I do all my oil changes and maintenance myself, not by choice but because I discovered one place reset the oil life gauge and didn't actually change the oil...
Thanks!
-Drew
has been running rich
How did you make this determination? From the raw fuel smell? Is it coming from the tailpipe?
Hello,
It's a 5.3L.
I made the determination from raw fuel smell coming from the tailpipe, and only while it is running. Apologies on any confusion of my first comment when I said the smell was constant!
Thank you for your assistance!
Flex Fuel engine?
Not to my knowledge, though the VIN lookup says it as a "Secondary Fuel Type". I do not use, nor have I ever used, E85 in this vehicle.
Thanks!
It doesn't matter if you use E85 or not. Flex Fuel engines are different, and it directly affects your fuel mixture.
What is your VIN?
Apparently in your year, GM was calling it "E85 MAX" instead of FF
VIN: 3gcukrec0gg230517
Model Year: 2016
Side note, after I RTFM 🙂 I ordered the BlueDriver scan tool. It will be in sometime tomorrow.
Thank you again for your assistance!
Any suggestions, preferably in the sub-$100 area?
there is a whole article dedicated to scan tools in the FAQ, so I encourage you to read that.
Will do, thank you for the suggestion!
go ahead and replace them as they're 7 years old.
Age isn't really a factor for spark plugs. Number of miles is most important and you only have 50k on them. They last at least twice that. So if they're not worn out then I think it's a waste of money to change them now.
Not sure if the elevation and thinner air vs the heavier air is messing with anything
The MAF sensor measures air density many times per second and the computer is able to compensate in real time. Elevation isn't a concern at all.
What do your fuel trims look like? Are there any stored codes? Are your spark plugs carbon fouled from an overly rich mixture?
Gas smell does not necessarily indicate running rich, it can be caused by a leak anywhere in the fuel system.
Hello,
I don't have a scanner so not able to check in that area...may be time for me to invest in a tool though! Any suggestions, preferably in the sub-$100 area? I think I recall Scotty liking some of the Bosch brand ones.
I have not removed the spark plugs yet, I like the idea of checking them! If I'm going through the trouble of taking them out then I'm of the opinion to go ahead and replace them as they're 7 years old.
Another thing I should add is I lived in Utah for a bit but am now on the East coast. Not sure if the elevation and thinner air vs the heavier air is messing with anything. Thinking back on it, I can't recall having this problem until I moved East.
Greatly appreciate your assistance!
I don't have a scanner so not able to check in that area...may be time for me to invest in a tool though! Any suggestions, preferably in the sub-$100 area? I think I recall Scotty liking some of the Bosch brand ones.
I don't think you'll find a Bosch scanner for under $100. For what it's worth I have a CGSULIT model SC301 which costs about $50-$60 and does a good job for the price but of course has limitations. See the FAQ for scan tool recommendations at different price levels.
Another thing I should add is I lived in Utah for a bit but am now on the East coast. Not sure if the elevation and thinner air vs the heavier air is messing with anything.
In the old days we used to change carburetor jets for high vs. low altitude operation. In modern vehicles the computer is supposed to compensate for that.
VIN: 3gcukrec0gg230517
This is an "E85 MAX" engine AKA Flex Fuel.
Using a good diagnostic tool, go under your fuel system live data, and check your "Fuel Alcohol Content" value.