code 54
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code 54
Hi, i have a 91 camaro with the 3.1 liter. Every now and then, when i go to start my car in the morning, it just spins over and doesnt ever fire up, but if i turn the key back off and then try to start it again, it starts right up. Also, when this happens, the Service engine light stays on until i kill the car and start it up again. When the light comes on, it shows a code 54, but if i clear the codes it doesnt come back until it wont start again. what could be my problem?
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RS,
Your ECM is trying to tell you something, but you're not listening. Do you know what a code '54' indicates?
(Hint: Low voltage in fuel pump circuit.)
I would suspect your fuel pump relay is failing intermittently. When the relay fails to operate, your pump doesn't run for the prescribed two-second interval when the ignition is turned on. This means the injectors have no fuel so your engine doesn't start. Subsequent attempts cause the contacts in the realy to close better, allowing the pump to run, and once the engine is running the auxilliary oil pressure switch provides power to the pump circuit. The ECM will think the relay is fine until the contacts fail to close again.
For about ten bucks you can replace the relay and be on your way.
If you need a full listing of OBD I error codes for ThirdGens through 1992, check this file:
GM Error Codes.pdf. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view/print the file.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader
[This message has been edited by Vader (edited March 14, 2001).]
Your ECM is trying to tell you something, but you're not listening. Do you know what a code '54' indicates?
(Hint: Low voltage in fuel pump circuit.)
I would suspect your fuel pump relay is failing intermittently. When the relay fails to operate, your pump doesn't run for the prescribed two-second interval when the ignition is turned on. This means the injectors have no fuel so your engine doesn't start. Subsequent attempts cause the contacts in the realy to close better, allowing the pump to run, and once the engine is running the auxilliary oil pressure switch provides power to the pump circuit. The ECM will think the relay is fine until the contacts fail to close again.
For about ten bucks you can replace the relay and be on your way.
If you need a full listing of OBD I error codes for ThirdGens through 1992, check this file:
GM Error Codes.pdf. You'll need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view/print the file.
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader
[This message has been edited by Vader (edited March 14, 2001).]
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
thanks for the help, but i did know what the code 54 meant. i was asking because i have recently replaced the fuelp pump and the fuel pump relay. thanks for your help anyway. Maybe i just got a bad relay, i dont know.
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Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,660
Likes: 310
RS,
You might have a failing connector at the relay, or a poor connection at the ECM. If the ECM connections are getting intermittent, the relay might not get power to operate, and teh fuel pump would not get power.
If you crank for a long time (to build oil pressure) does the engine start?
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader
You might have a failing connector at the relay, or a poor connection at the ECM. If the ECM connections are getting intermittent, the relay might not get power to operate, and teh fuel pump would not get power.
If you crank for a long time (to build oil pressure) does the engine start?
------------------
Later,
Vader
------------------
"I'm'a do Things My Way - It's My way or the Highway."
Adobe Acrobat Reader
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