Injectors not firing
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
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"VATS" does not disable spark or the fuel pump. Only the injectors and starter. It should fire on starter fluid even with an active VATS.
The SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is on, it is indicating a VATS inhibit, or if the engine is running a problem with the key resistance circuit. (Warning the driver that it may not start the next time.)
It is possible that a previous owner bypassed the starter relay. If the factory alarm is functional, there is a way to test if the starter relay is still active:
Unless the Fuel Enable requirement has been eliminated with a custom chip/tune, the really easy thing to do and remember is that the SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is, there will be no injector pulse.
The SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is on, it is indicating a VATS inhibit, or if the engine is running a problem with the key resistance circuit. (Warning the driver that it may not start the next time.)
It is possible that a previous owner bypassed the starter relay. If the factory alarm is functional, there is a way to test if the starter relay is still active:
- Get in the car.
- Have the ignition key in your hand, not in the lock.
- Lock the doors with the power door locks. The SECURITY light should go solid-on.
- Close the door. SECURITY light should go off after a few seconds. The alarm is armed.
- Insert the key in the ignition, the horn should start honking. If it doesn't, turn on the park lights as they are also a 'wake-up' that will set off the alarm.
- With the horn honking, attempt to start/crank the engine. (It shouldn't crank because the CCM also disables the starter if the alarm is set off.) If it cranks, the relay is bypassed.
- Get out of the car and disarm the alarm with the door key.
Unless the Fuel Enable requirement has been eliminated with a custom chip/tune, the really easy thing to do and remember is that the SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is, there will be no injector pulse.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
You have a Code 54 in Module 1, the CCM.
Code 54 is Fuel Enable Failure. The FE uses the data link between the ECM and the CCM to perform a password exchange routine when the ignition is turned ON. If the password routine is not successfully completed within 2 seconds, Code 54 will set and both the SECURITY and SYS message flash together. (This is the only code that flashes the SECURITY light in RUN.)
I'm suspicious that you still have an ECM communication problem. Code 1.54 is a problem with the ECM even though it shows in the CCM trouble codes. You do not have a basic "VATS" problem because the SECURITY light is not solid ON. "VATS" is ok. The ECM is not.
If it cranks with a triple flash SYS and SECURITY light, the starter relay has been bypassed.
A 1992 does not use the square wave signal. It uses the Fuel Enable handshake between the CCM and ECM on the serial data buss.
Code 54 is Fuel Enable Failure. The FE uses the data link between the ECM and the CCM to perform a password exchange routine when the ignition is turned ON. If the password routine is not successfully completed within 2 seconds, Code 54 will set and both the SECURITY and SYS message flash together. (This is the only code that flashes the SECURITY light in RUN.)
I'm suspicious that you still have an ECM communication problem. Code 1.54 is a problem with the ECM even though it shows in the CCM trouble codes. You do not have a basic "VATS" problem because the SECURITY light is not solid ON. "VATS" is ok. The ECM is not.
If it cranks with a triple flash SYS and SECURITY light, the starter relay has been bypassed.
A 1992 does not use the square wave signal. It uses the Fuel Enable handshake between the CCM and ECM on the serial data buss.
Last edited by IHBD; Nov 18, 2025 at 08:58 PM.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
You have a Code 54 in Module 1, the CCM.
Code 54 is Fuel Enable Failure. The FE uses the data link between the ECM and the CCM to perform a password exchange routine when the ignition is turned ON. If the password routine is not successfully completed within 2 seconds, Code 54 will set and both the SECURITY and SYS message flash together. (This is the only code that flashes the SECURITY light in RUN.)
I'm suspicious that you still have an ECM communication problem. Code 1.54 is a problem with the ECM even though it shows in the CCM trouble codes. You do not have a basic "VATS" problem because the SECURITY light is not solid ON. "VATS" is ok. The ECM is not.
If it cranks with a triple flash SYS and SECURITY light, the starter relay has been bypassed.
A 1992 does not use the square wave signal. It uses the Fuel Enable handshake between the CCM and ECM on the serial data buss.
Code 54 is Fuel Enable Failure. The FE uses the data link between the ECM and the CCM to perform a password exchange routine when the ignition is turned ON. If the password routine is not successfully completed within 2 seconds, Code 54 will set and both the SECURITY and SYS message flash together. (This is the only code that flashes the SECURITY light in RUN.)
I'm suspicious that you still have an ECM communication problem. Code 1.54 is a problem with the ECM even though it shows in the CCM trouble codes. You do not have a basic "VATS" problem because the SECURITY light is not solid ON. "VATS" is ok. The ECM is not.
If it cranks with a triple flash SYS and SECURITY light, the starter relay has been bypassed.
A 1992 does not use the square wave signal. It uses the Fuel Enable handshake between the CCM and ECM on the serial data buss.
Or even if the ccm may be faulty, I'm highly suspicious it's not the cars original.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 2,256
Likes: 3,082
From: So Cal
2023 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
[QUOTE=TacoTom22;1609251258]Could it be possible that the data line that connects all the computers/modules is causing a problem?
Can you read Module 9 codes or "- - - " with the onboard diagnostics? Module 9 is ABS/TCS. If the CCM can read Module 9, the data buss is ok. Module 9 is independent of the ECM and CCM.
Another check with the C68. Hold arrow up and arrow down until " -00 is displayed. Push arrow up until "016" is displayed. Press fan icon. 016 is engine coolant temp in deg C. If no reading, the data may not be present because the ECM is not sending it.
Or even if the ccm may be faulty,
Highly unlikely. CCM failures on here are non-existent. I've never seen one.
The CCM is doing a lot of things right. It is processing Code 1.54 correctly. It is processing the LCD. It is processing the onboard diagnostics.
I'm highly suspicious it's not the cars original.
Does the odometer reading seem about right for the general condition of the car? Replacement used CCMs will have the donor car's odometer reading. It can not be changed.
I think your ECM has to go back to SIA for a recheck. If it is ok, you need a prom or carrier, or something.
Can you read Module 9 codes or "- - - " with the onboard diagnostics? Module 9 is ABS/TCS. If the CCM can read Module 9, the data buss is ok. Module 9 is independent of the ECM and CCM.
Another check with the C68. Hold arrow up and arrow down until " -00 is displayed. Push arrow up until "016" is displayed. Press fan icon. 016 is engine coolant temp in deg C. If no reading, the data may not be present because the ECM is not sending it.
Or even if the ccm may be faulty,
Highly unlikely. CCM failures on here are non-existent. I've never seen one.
The CCM is doing a lot of things right. It is processing Code 1.54 correctly. It is processing the LCD. It is processing the onboard diagnostics.
I'm highly suspicious it's not the cars original.
Does the odometer reading seem about right for the general condition of the car? Replacement used CCMs will have the donor car's odometer reading. It can not be changed.
I think your ECM has to go back to SIA for a recheck. If it is ok, you need a prom or carrier, or something.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 25
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[QUOTE=IHBD;1609252282]
The odometer reading is very low. Mid 30k if Iremember correctly. Been the same owner for the last 20 plus years, peeking under the valve covers I was originally incled to believe it. Ran a carfax and back in the 90's the car was stolen and reported that odometer reading now accurate.
New (to the car) memcal was installed. Same issue.
Regarding another post I had made in the forum, about an aftermarket ecu fixing the potential memcal problem, do you think it would solve whatever issue this is turning out to be? If I were to piggy back it off the stock and just run the fuel delivery and ignition system off it?
Could it be possible that the data line that connects all the computers/modules is causing a problem?
Can you read Module 9 codes or "- - - " with the onboard diagnostics? Module 9 is ABS/TCS. If the CCM can read Module 9, the data buss is ok. Module 9 is independent of the ECM and CCM.
Another check with the C68. Hold arrow up and arrow down until " -00 is displayed. Push arrow up until "016" is displayed. Press fan icon. 016 is engine coolant temp in deg C. If no reading, the data may not be present because the ECM is not sending it.
Or even if the ccm may be faulty,
Highly unlikely. CCM failures on here are non-existent. I've never seen one.
The CCM is doing a lot of things right. It is processing Code 1.54 correctly. It is processing the LCD. It is processing the onboard diagnostics.
I'm highly suspicious it's not the cars original.
Does the odometer reading seem about right for the general condition of the car? Replacement used CCMs will have the donor car's odometer reading. It can not be changed.
I think your ECM has to go back to SIA for a recheck. If it is ok, you need a prom or carrier, or something.
Can you read Module 9 codes or "- - - " with the onboard diagnostics? Module 9 is ABS/TCS. If the CCM can read Module 9, the data buss is ok. Module 9 is independent of the ECM and CCM.
Another check with the C68. Hold arrow up and arrow down until " -00 is displayed. Push arrow up until "016" is displayed. Press fan icon. 016 is engine coolant temp in deg C. If no reading, the data may not be present because the ECM is not sending it.
Or even if the ccm may be faulty,
Highly unlikely. CCM failures on here are non-existent. I've never seen one.
The CCM is doing a lot of things right. It is processing Code 1.54 correctly. It is processing the LCD. It is processing the onboard diagnostics.
I'm highly suspicious it's not the cars original.
Does the odometer reading seem about right for the general condition of the car? Replacement used CCMs will have the donor car's odometer reading. It can not be changed.
I think your ECM has to go back to SIA for a recheck. If it is ok, you need a prom or carrier, or something.
New (to the car) memcal was installed. Same issue.
Regarding another post I had made in the forum, about an aftermarket ecu fixing the potential memcal problem, do you think it would solve whatever issue this is turning out to be? If I were to piggy back it off the stock and just run the fuel delivery and ignition system off it?
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
"VATS" does not disable spark or the fuel pump. Only the injectors and starter. It should fire on starter fluid even with an active VATS.
The SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is on, it is indicating a VATS inhibit, or if the engine is running a problem with the key resistance circuit. (Warning the driver that it may not start the next time.)
It is possible that a previous owner bypassed the starter relay. If the factory alarm is functional, there is a way to test if the starter relay is still active:
Unless the Fuel Enable requirement has been eliminated with a custom chip/tune, the really easy thing to do and remember is that the SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is, there will be no injector pulse.
The SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is on, it is indicating a VATS inhibit, or if the engine is running a problem with the key resistance circuit. (Warning the driver that it may not start the next time.)
It is possible that a previous owner bypassed the starter relay. If the factory alarm is functional, there is a way to test if the starter relay is still active:
- Get in the car.
- Have the ignition key in your hand, not in the lock.
- Lock the doors with the power door locks. The SECURITY light should go solid-on.
- Close the door. SECURITY light should go off after a few seconds. The alarm is armed.
- Insert the key in the ignition, the horn should start honking. If it doesn't, turn on the park lights as they are also a 'wake-up' that will set off the alarm.
- With the horn honking, attempt to start/crank the engine. (It shouldn't crank because the CCM also disables the starter if the alarm is set off.) If it cranks, the relay is bypassed.
- Get out of the car and disarm the alarm with the door key.
Unless the Fuel Enable requirement has been eliminated with a custom chip/tune, the really easy thing to do and remember is that the SECURITY light should never be ON with the key in RUN. If it is, there will be no injector pulse.
UPDATE: Kept fidgeting with the door locks and got them working.
Armed the alarm and got the solid security light, used the lights to trigger the alarm, as soon as I put the key in the ignition the alarm turned off and the security light when back to flashing. Then same issue with the 3 flashes. Timed it this time and it was every 20 seconds.
Last edited by TacoTom22; Nov 23, 2025 at 07:36 PM.
8th Gear
Joined: Oct 2025
Posts: 8
Likes: 1
C4 no-injector pulse = 95% no power or ground to the injectors.
Quick checks:
Quick checks:
- Pink wire at any injector – key ON should have 12V. No? Check ECM fuse and pink wire from relay.
- Dark green/white wires – should pulse to ground when cranking (test light flashes). No flash = bad ECM, bad distributor pickup, or bad ECM ground (G104 behind driver headlight).
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2025
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
C4 no-injector pulse = 95% no power or ground to the injectors.
Quick checks:
Quick checks:
- Pink wire at any injector – key ON should have 12V. No? Check ECM fuse and pink wire from relay.
- Dark green/white wires – should pulse to ground when cranking (test light flashes). No flash = bad ECM, bad distributor pickup, or bad ECM ground (G104 behind driver headlight).