Hi,

I am having a problem with my 1998 chevy astro van. It currently has 95,000 kms, and I am noticing hesitation during morning starts. It has no problems starting but when you begin to drive it starts to hesitate for the first few seconds then it is fine. I noticed it usually occurs when it rains. I bought the truck used, so I am not sure if it has ever had a tune up. Last night I noticed that the service engine light came on. What could be causing this problem? I have read a few post and found some with similar problems that lead to bad egr valves. One other thing I am starting to smell fuel when I first start it. Your help would be greatly appreciated. How do I read the codes? I have done it before but I do not remember. All I remember is that if you jump two wires on the plug under the drivers dash this will give you different flashes on the service engine light. :smile:

Hi,

I am having a problem with my 1998 chevy astro van. It currently has 95,000 kms, and I am noticing hesitation during morning starts. It has no problems starting but when you begin to drive it starts to hesitate for the first few seconds then it is fine. I noticed it usually occurs when it rains. I bought the truck used, so I am not sure if it has ever had a tune up. Last night I noticed that the service engine light came on. What could be causing this problem? I have read a few post and found some with similar problems that lead to bad egr valves. One other thing I am starting to smell fuel when I first start it. Your help would be greatly appreciated. How do I read the codes? I have done it before but I do not remember. All I remember is that if you jump two wires on the plug under the drivers dash this will give you different flashes on the service engine light. :smile:

First thing is to have the codes pulled..this vehicle is equipped with OBD2 so you will need a scan tool to access trouble codes.
There are a couple things with that year model that come to mind....sticking injector poppets and moisture in the distibutor cap.
Before jumping in and replacing any parts, you need to have some diagnostic work done to determine the root cause of your problem.

GMMerlin, thanks for your help. I will try to locate a scan tool. Today it started hesitating when ever you stop and apply gas it hesitates then it runs normal. It looks like the problem is getting worse. I will let you know what happens.

I wiould check fuel pressures if problems with O2 sensors indicate lean mixtures. These pumps typically get lazy at around 100,000 miles. Ray

I finally had the computer checked for fault codes. I was told to change the distributor cap and rotor. I replaced both parts and the service engine has no longer come on. I also found the fuel smell was coming from the fuel filter. The mounting band actually rubbed a hole threw the filter. I replaced the filter and everything seems to be okay. Thanks everyone for the help.

i would check your engine coolant temp sensor,
that is what controls your amount of fuel delivered
on cold start up, a sticking egr could also cause
symptoms you are experiencing,also check exhaust
flow, you could have a converter stopping up