C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Code 54...Now What???

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Old May 3, 2002 | 04:25 PM
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Default Code 54...Now What???

SES light came on yesterday, coincidently the car was low on gas. Checked the computer and got a code 54. Fuel pump related??
I replaced the pump, filter, and relay 6 months ago!!??
Filled it with gas ...no SES warning!!??
Started it today.... SERVICE ENGINE SOON....code 54.
Any ideas??Incidently...car has been hard to start in last few months, it only starts on second try if it has sat overnight. It starts fine if it's been less time.Suggestions??
Thanks
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Old May 3, 2002 | 04:33 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (joseph p)

Amagine this is in a Corvette, what year?
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Old May 3, 2002 | 04:52 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (PeteL)

Sorry, it's a 1989 L-98
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Old May 3, 2002 | 05:00 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (joseph p)

Ah! 89.

Looks like you lost the fuel pump relay. It's over on the firewall to the center just off the vacuum brake booster.

Lets hope it's that easy!

Good Luck,

Pete
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Old May 5, 2002 | 11:35 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (PeteL)

Didn't think so, but changed the relay anyway...no difference!! Relay had been replaced just months before.
When key is turned on, there is only click at rear by pump, no sound of pump running at all. Tommorrow, I'm going to put the fuel pressure gauge on and see if I'm getting any press. Has anyone had a new pump go in less than 6 months???
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Old May 6, 2002 | 08:55 AM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (joseph p)

It's unlikely it's the fuel pump with that code.

54 is tested by low voltage at pin E of the relay under the hood, before it ever gets to the pump. If the realy is good (correct relay?) and still code 54 and slow start (fail safe on oil pressure switch), then you need to check that +12 is getting to the relay on the orange wire.

Since it does start eventually, then that means the oil pressure switch is tuning on the pump, bypassing the relay. So I would say you need to check the connection of the orange wire on pin A of the relay and track that around. It also goes to the oil pressure switch, the maf power and burn off relays and to ecm power connector near the battery.

Also check pin E on the relay for bad connection or open.

Connector:

CXA
DEF

C To pin G of aldl connector for testing
A orange +12V switched by the relay for fuel pump
D Fuel pump relay drive (+12V) from ECM
E Relay output (+12V) to fuel pump; also connected to ecm for 54 and oil pressure switch for backup +12 from oil pressure switch
F Engine ground for relay (provided circuit for coil for ecm pin D

You must have bad connection on A or E (or bad wires)

Good Luck
Pete
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Old May 8, 2002 | 02:15 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (PeteL)

Pete,
When you say C&G do you mean Cof relay or C of ADL...
No voltage on D of relay...if there should be, how much should it be?
In testing A1 - A2 should there be 12V..?
Thanks for all your help, am I correct in assuming I'm getting closer to narrowing this down to an ECM problem???
Frank :cry
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Old May 8, 2002 | 09:29 PM
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Default Re: Code 54...Now What??? (joseph p)

If I had a nickel for everyone that had this problem. Here's how I solved my hard starting/code 54 problem. They were actually 2 different problems.
First to solve the code 54 I replaced to ecm. That would at least prime the fuel pump when the key was turned "on" but was still hard to start.

The hard starting was solved by putting in new injectors. With the old ones they would not hold pressure when turned "off".

I banged my head against a wall for a long time trying to fix these problems but it starts like brand new now!

Please take my advice and save yourself some headaches.

Bob
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