Code 54 WTH ??
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
Code 54 WTH ??
Got in the car and it took forever to start. SES light came on. 
Took the truck since I was in a hurry and did not want to get stranded somewhere. When I got back, I pulled the code. 54. Ive been hanging out here, nearly 10 years and never heard of code 54. So I get on the NET and google it. Fuel pump relay. I had some old relays in the garage and one was the same. Plugged it in, started the car and all is good. Actually went and got a new one just to be safe.
Fastest easiest repair ever. It seems odd that Ive never seen a thread on code 54 before. Never expected a code for the pump relay, just too easy. Anybody else ever get a code 54 ??
Took the truck since I was in a hurry and did not want to get stranded somewhere. When I got back, I pulled the code. 54. Ive been hanging out here, nearly 10 years and never heard of code 54. So I get on the NET and google it. Fuel pump relay. I had some old relays in the garage and one was the same. Plugged it in, started the car and all is good. Actually went and got a new one just to be safe. Fastest easiest repair ever. It seems odd that Ive never seen a thread on code 54 before. Never expected a code for the pump relay, just too easy. Anybody else ever get a code 54 ??
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
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DTC 54 is not a fuel pump relay fault as such but a indication the ECM has seen low/no voltage at the pump relay connection.
As the pump voltage monitor signal to the ECM is from the output side of the relay could be a intermittent problem ( wiring ) or sign relay is failing.
Pump will still run from the OP switch so you would not be aware of relay failure except for longer start time
Last edited by vetteoz; Feb 13, 2013 at 06:10 PM.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
A few years ago, I noticed my wiring looked like the stuff in your pic. I went to the salvage yard and cut 6" of the harness off a newer Camaro. Thats why I had a relay on the shelf. The newer cars have much better wiring. For the record, Camaros have different color wires. I didnt care, I soldered/heat shrunk them in. The wiring still looks good. I still never heard of code 54.
Ive had this car, 14 years. Ive had MAF codes twice and O2 sensor codes. Both times with the MAF, I just replaced the relays. Did I mention, I hate relays ?? The O2 sensor codes, I fixed with a heated sensor.
Ive had this car, 14 years. Ive had MAF codes twice and O2 sensor codes. Both times with the MAF, I just replaced the relays. Did I mention, I hate relays ?? The O2 sensor codes, I fixed with a heated sensor.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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I've had the "54" appear a couple times...bad relay, even a dirty connector at the tank. Pretty much anything that prevents the normal voltage from passing thru will set a 54.
I tell the new guys that see the flash codes and think its magic that tells them exactly what to fix, its more like it provides a clue that still makes the owner/DIY mechanic interpret the meaning...add low voltage to...
Extended cranking....building that 4 psi necessary to close the oil pressure switch to send the alternate power supply to the pump..and that takes you to the relay. Usually.
I think the quality relays from GM/Delco lasted much longer so many folks never saw a 54. 2nd or 3rd owner probably did.
The cheapo parts store relays are designed to fail more often to help the chinese economy stay strong.
I hear Studio 54 was a lot more fun than code 54 ever could be.
Car 54 where are you? ooh ! ooh !!
Who remembers?
If you;re under 50 don't even try !
I tell the new guys that see the flash codes and think its magic that tells them exactly what to fix, its more like it provides a clue that still makes the owner/DIY mechanic interpret the meaning...add low voltage to...
Extended cranking....building that 4 psi necessary to close the oil pressure switch to send the alternate power supply to the pump..and that takes you to the relay. Usually.
I think the quality relays from GM/Delco lasted much longer so many folks never saw a 54. 2nd or 3rd owner probably did.
The cheapo parts store relays are designed to fail more often to help the chinese economy stay strong.
I hear Studio 54 was a lot more fun than code 54 ever could be.
Car 54 where are you? ooh ! ooh !!
Who remembers?
If you;re under 50 don't even try !
Last edited by leesvet; Feb 13, 2013 at 07:59 PM.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Database Error Indiana
Yes, I remember Car 54. And the new relay is from China.
The car is 26 years old, 163+k miles. I cant really complain about it. It just seems like code 54 should have rung a bell.or something.
And the new relay is from China. The car is 26 years old, 163+k miles. I cant really complain about it. It just seems like code 54 should have rung a bell.or something.
Team Owner
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From: Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.
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Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
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yep !
I was wondering if anyone would remember Fred Gwynnes "best known" role as Herman Munster .
While we're at it,
anyone know what the "Munster-Mobile" was? I remember lots of toy cars and models but never knew what the actual car started out from...I think it toured car shows for many years with the bat-mobile and other famous 'fantasy' custom creations.
I was wondering if anyone would remember Fred Gwynnes "best known" role as Herman Munster .
While we're at it,
anyone know what the "Munster-Mobile" was? I remember lots of toy cars and models but never knew what the actual car started out from...I think it toured car shows for many years with the bat-mobile and other famous 'fantasy' custom creations.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
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From: Database Error Indiana
Yes, I remember seeing the cars at the world if wheels show. I "think" it was at Navy pier in Chicago. That was long ago and far away. Don recall what the car originated as though.
Don recall what the car originated as though.