Code 54 Fix
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Code 54 Fix
My 89 Vette was having a tough time starting in the AM (Thanks to the people who helped), ran the codes and came up with a Code 54 (Fuel Pump Circuit). What is the process to correct this issue & approx cost if fixed by a dealer.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Alma, MI
Re: Code 54 Fix (csc67)
I just fixed mine two days ago. After first receiving a quote for about $300 to replace the pump, I wimped out and replaced the fuel pump relay for about $13. My car has 102K+ on it, and figured I'd replace a cheap part first.
Well, it worked. I'd vote for replacing the fuel pump relay, and seeing if that did it.
FYI, I took the same approach to fixing my Bose stereo system, and the overdrive relay (I have a 4+3 manual transmission), and have discovered that fixing the relay worked in all 3 cases. The explanation I've gotten from folks at 'vette shows is that the contacts in the relays in these babies corrode over (as they're silver), and don't make contact even if they do get the right signal from the ECM.
I start with the relays from now on. It's just to cheap a fix to not do first.
Ron
Well, it worked. I'd vote for replacing the fuel pump relay, and seeing if that did it.
FYI, I took the same approach to fixing my Bose stereo system, and the overdrive relay (I have a 4+3 manual transmission), and have discovered that fixing the relay worked in all 3 cases. The explanation I've gotten from folks at 'vette shows is that the contacts in the relays in these babies corrode over (as they're silver), and don't make contact even if they do get the right signal from the ECM.
I start with the relays from now on. It's just to cheap a fix to not do first.
Ron
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Code 54 Fix (SilverC4)
Silver C4,
Thanks for the update...Since you have just replaced your fuel pump relay can you give me a time estimate & difficulty level of the job. If you have some FYI's about the replacement process, feel free to include those also. Thanks
Thanks for the update...Since you have just replaced your fuel pump relay can you give me a time estimate & difficulty level of the job. If you have some FYI's about the replacement process, feel free to include those also. Thanks
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,923
Likes: 1
From: Las Vegas NV
Re: Code 54 Fix (csc67)
The fuel pump relay is just next to the brake booster (between the distributor and the brake booster), 10mm socket, 5 min. of your time, soap to wash the hands, and $10 for the relay. It's a good idea to change all relays, radiator fan, burn off..., they're all the same.
Heel & Toe
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 19
Likes: 0
From: Alma, MI
Re: Code 54 Fix (traxx1)
Traxx,
The Bose amp relay in my '86 is mounted on the firewall on the inside of the vehicle to the right of where the radio goes into the dash.
Note that I said is mounted. That's because I couldn't figure out how to get the old one out as I was getting dizzy upside down under the dash. Wound up just disconnecting the harness from the old relay, plugging in the new relay, and then stuffing the whole mess back behind the hush panel. Took me 2 days to figure out there was no way I was going to get out the old relay.
Hope this helps. I know I sure relied on the shop manual to figure out the wire combinations so I unplugged the right thing --- the ECM is in the vicinity of the relay, and I sure didn't want to mess up that.
Good luck!!!
Ron
The Bose amp relay in my '86 is mounted on the firewall on the inside of the vehicle to the right of where the radio goes into the dash.
Note that I said is mounted. That's because I couldn't figure out how to get the old one out as I was getting dizzy upside down under the dash. Wound up just disconnecting the harness from the old relay, plugging in the new relay, and then stuffing the whole mess back behind the hush panel. Took me 2 days to figure out there was no way I was going to get out the old relay.
Hope this helps. I know I sure relied on the shop manual to figure out the wire combinations so I unplugged the right thing --- the ECM is in the vicinity of the relay, and I sure didn't want to mess up that.
Good luck!!!
Ron
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 32
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Re: Code 54 Fix (csc67)
Sorry csc67 I didn't notice your request for additional info until now (almost 24 hours later). Looks like VQT88Vette helped you out already but here's my two cents worth. It's a little black box to the left of the power brake booster. I just disconnected the battery, took out the two screws holding it to the bracket, disconnected the wiring harness and reversed the procedure to install the new one. 10 minutes tops. Hope it does the trick for you. :seeya
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 539
Likes: 4
From: Rochester, NY
Re: Code 54 Fix (SilverC4)
Only took 15 minutes to change the fuel filter relay....Thanks for everyone's input resolving this issue....Will know tomorrow AM when I start the car...If it doesn't work you'll definitely be hearing from me
