Column lock fuel question
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Column lock fuel question
I just read the stick about column lock and i do not know if my car has it done or not. Once in a while my car will say wait ten sec to start on the dash and im about to replace the fuel pump because im getting about 20 psi fuel when key is on and it drops off as soon as i go to start it. If my column lock has gone bad but my steering wheel still works, can this shut my gas off?
Confused by sticky.
Sorry,
Jeff
Confused by sticky.
Sorry,
Jeff
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 6,937
Likes: 21
From: Waldorf MD
Yes, IF your locking plate was removed AND an earlier recall did the fuel stop flash, AND now your k-harness is malfunctioning, the fuel will cut off at 2 mph. BUT, you should get a "service column lock" message.
A few questions. Does your steering wheel lock when car is parked? If not, either the plate has been removed or a CLB installed. If it does not, do you hear a hum when starting car from the steering column? If you hear a hum, you have the GM recall.
The wait ten seconds can be caused by a dirty key. Try cleaning the resister chip in the key with alcohol. If this doesn't work, try using another key, sometimes they go bad. If this doesn't work, your ignition switch could be bad.
A few questions. Does your steering wheel lock when car is parked? If not, either the plate has been removed or a CLB installed. If it does not, do you hear a hum when starting car from the steering column? If you hear a hum, you have the GM recall.
The wait ten seconds can be caused by a dirty key. Try cleaning the resister chip in the key with alcohol. If this doesn't work, try using another key, sometimes they go bad. If this doesn't work, your ignition switch could be bad.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Since your "description" of your problem makes no sense at all ......
IF you are getting the SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message ..... your engine will start. Fuel will be supplied until your rear wheels reach a speed of 2 MPH, at that point the PCM will "turn off" the fuel injectors .... therefore shutting off the engine. This is programmed into the car so that it cannot be driven with the column in a "locked" state.
IF you are getting the SERVICE COLUMN LOCK message ..... your engine will start. Fuel will be supplied until your rear wheels reach a speed of 2 MPH, at that point the PCM will "turn off" the fuel injectors .... therefore shutting off the engine. This is programmed into the car so that it cannot be driven with the column in a "locked" state.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,172
Likes: 104
From: Des Moines Iowa
If you have low fuel pressure, I'd first change the fuel filter, before I'd go to the trouble and expense of fuel pump replacement. Believe you should have something like 38-40 lbs., not the 20 lbs. you reported.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Sorry for not making sense. I was in a hurry and appologize for sounding dumb. It has a new fuel filter on it and ran with the new one for about 100 miles. Im pretty sure it is the fuel pump and not a lock column issue since it wont even stay running at idle. The fuel pressure drops off as soon as it starts.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Sorry for not making sense. I was in a hurry and appologize for sounding dumb. It has a new fuel filter on it and ran with the new one for about 100 miles. Im pretty sure it is the fuel pump and not a lock column issue since it wont even stay running at idle. The fuel pressure drops off as soon as it starts.
Thanks,
Jeff
Thanks,
Jeff
My only caution is that the electric fuel pump in the left tank also feeds the right tank siphon pump, so it is possible the low pressure is due to a problem with the right tank fuel feed.
Replacing the left electric fuel pump is the most likely fix for the problem .... but it may not actually fix the problem.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 214
Likes: 0
Thank you!
I am replacing the whole left side fuel pump tonight. I hope this fixes it. If not...I will go for the right side as well. I bought a complete fuel pump because i was having issues with my gadge not reading as accurate as i would like it to. It read correct when you would start the car up but never seemed to move till you shut it off and when you turned it back on...You looked like you just lost a ton of fuel! I heard it was from cheap gas and a known issue so hopefully replacing the whole thing i can kill two birds with one stone.
The psi with the key just turned to the on posistion is 20 psi but as soon as you crank it, It falls off to less pressure. The car will start then just fall on its face and stumble and die. It cant stay running for more than 2-3 seconds.
I will keep you guys posted and let ya know if the LH side fuel pump fixes my issues.
Thanks,
Jeff
The psi with the key just turned to the on posistion is 20 psi but as soon as you crank it, It falls off to less pressure. The car will start then just fall on its face and stumble and die. It cant stay running for more than 2-3 seconds.
I will keep you guys posted and let ya know if the LH side fuel pump fixes my issues.
Thanks,
Jeff
