Posted on 03/10/2011 4:33:36 PM PST by library user
Remove front dashboard, look under dash for a large connector. Make sure you have a good tight connection.
If available, check the service codes
DTC P1626
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The control module communicates with other modules using the Class 2 Serial Data circuit. The vehicle theft deterrent (VTD) body control module (BCM) sends a vehicle security password to the powertrain control module (PCM), via the Class 2 Serial Data circuit, after the BCM has sensed the proper operation of the ignition switch and lock, and determined that the switch and lock have not been tampered with. If this password matches the password stored in the PCM, fuel will be enabled. If the BCM does not send a password, or if the PCM does not receive it, the vehicle will not start, or it may start and stall. This will set a DTC P1626 in the PCM memory. If communication is lost after receiving the password, the VTD Passlock system will go into Fail Enable, set a U1192 in the PCM memory, and the engine will continue to run. This will allow the engine to restart on future ignition cycles but may set a DTC P1626 as the engine is started. If the battery is disconnected or the codes are cleared, the vehicle will lose its Fail Enable status and will not start until communication is re-established.
DTC P1631
CIRCUIT DESCRIPTION
The Class 2 Serial Data circuit is used in order to communicate between the powertrain control module (PCM) and the vehicle theft deterrent body control module (BCM) systems.
When the passlock portion of the VTD system has sensed the proper operation of the ignition switch and lock, or determined that the switch and lock have not been tampered with, the BCM transmits a password to the PCM. Fuel delivery is enabled if this password matches the password stored in the modules memory. If a component in the theft deterrent system has been replaced, the modules need to relearn the password of the new components. If the relearn procedure was not performed, this diagnostic trouble code (DTC) will set.
If a VTD failure occurs during an ignition cycle that the PCM has enabled fuel, then the BCM will enter a fail-safe mode: Fail Enable VTD System Failure with Fuel Enabled. The BCM remains in Fail Enable Mode, for the current and future ignition cycles, until the fault is corrected and a valid password is received, or until battery power is removed. If the battery is disconnected or the codes are cleared, the vehicle will lose its Fail Enable status and will not start until the fault is corrected, the ten minute timer expires, and the PCM receives the correct fuel delivery password.
never trust anyone who’s tool of choice is a large pair of channel locks
2)These vehicles have a problem with the security system. The security system will sense that you don't have a proper key. The car will start while the key is turned, but the engine dies as soon as the key is released. The fix is not fun: The ignition switch housing needs replacement when this happens. It has a hall effect sensor in it that goes bad. This requires removal of the air bag, then the steering wheel, then the plastic cover over the switch, then the switch housing. This piece costs about $150 from Chevrolet, but its about $500 to have it replaced. (The ignition switch has three different parts: The tumbler the key fits into, the switch, and the housing. Make sure you replace the right one.
To reset the security system, you must attempt to start the car three times in a row, and wait 10 minutes and leave the key on after each attempt until the “security” light goes out. If you try this at night, the battery goes dead, since the headlights stay on the whole time. Do it during the day. I know this sounds very goofy, but believe me, its necessary, if you have this problem. Google it, it is a common problem with this vehicle.
Nuke...from orbit...only way...be sure
Bingo. That'd be my guess as well. Went through a similar problem with a '94 Ford Thunderbird. Had to replace the fuel pump in the gas tank, what a pain in the arse that was.....
Get a bigger hammer...and maybe you’re not sticking your tongue out properly.
A GM owner told me that his car wouldn’t start once and he though he had a fuel pump problem too. He learned that GM had installed a computer program that controls the fuel system in the car. If the fuel in the gas tank is very low the car will not start in order to keep it from running the injectors out of fuel. He said they added enough fuel and the car started right up. Sounds logical, but I couldn’t confirm it.
Think the problem was resolved and after a week with no car, I think I have a car again.
What was wrong?
The ignition coil had a crack in it. When we got the car started, we sprayed a little mist of water onto the ignition coil and immediately the car shut off.
So with it being in the 30s and damp where the car usually is parked, I bet enough moisture was getting inside, to prevent the car from starting.
Shame I can’t take the new $400 fuel pump back, and put the old one back on, which was working fine.
The reason this can’t be done is because the newer fuel pumps have different male/female structures in their parts and wires were cut from under the vehicle in order to attach the new fuel pump.
Thanks again to everyone for their suggestions and humor!!!
And if anyone has any closing thoughts on anything, please let me know.
Thanks for the follow-up post.
Was thinking about your problem just this morning. Glad you have it resolved!
Those coil packs are a pain. Glad you resolved it.
Regarding the $400 fuel pump, sometimes it is worth the cost to have a shop diagonse the problem. They discovered an intake manifold leak on my wifes car for a $35 fee, a 1/2hr labor charge. They then applied the cost to the bill when we had them do the repair. I have always done my own repairs in the past, but having a handicap now prevents me from doing some things. They repaired the car in less than one day where I would have been working on it for several days.
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