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Hi Guys...Here we go again. 98 C5 Auto conv..Tries to start but wont. The other day it was sputtering then picked up and I drove it all day. Tday tarted to do the same thing then died. Ithas plenty of battery and turns over and tries to start but wont. I have 1 c-code p0108 C and 3 history codes 1431, 1571 and 1626. I had a heater motor malfunction that required a replacement and that H code is still there under HVAC Bo367. Any offers of assistancewould be helpful. The mechanic thinks its a fuel pump but I dont know?
Last edited by Rickey Hughett; Mar 29, 2013 at 03:47 PM.
What was the measured fuel pressure that is causing the mechanic to say it's the fuel pump?
pressure
He has not checked that yet.. It was a phone conversation diagnosis.. He gets the car this Tuesday. Is it possible that it could be a clogged fuel filter causing the 108 code?
Last edited by Rickey Hughett; Mar 30, 2013 at 07:36 PM.
The fuel filter contains the fuel pressure regulator on the 98 so the fuel filter may well be a problem.
I suggest that you clear the codes and then try starting the car again. If it fails to start pull the codes BEFORE you turn off the ignition. Post what codes come back after the clear.
P1626 is a theft deterrent fuel system enable code so the no start may be security related. ie your key is NOT being read correctly. Perhaps try your backup key.
I did exactly as you said and after a few turns of the ignition it started up and runs fine. Im still a bit scared to get it out. Im kinda leaning that this car a new ignition switch and key. My spare is a door key only. Is the fuel filter something easy to access? How difficult is it to replace the key assembly? Thank you so much for your help..Rick
Did you clear the codes first? If yes then the next time it fails to start pull the codes BEFORE you turn off the ignition. If you have P1626 then your key is not being read correctly. Two things you can try are cleaning the pellet on the key using the eraser on a pencil and then wiping the pellet with a clean lint free cloth. Second thing is getting some electrical contact cleaner (auto parts store or Radio Shack for certain) and spraying some inside the lock cylinder. Then insert and remove the key a dozen or so times wiping the key between each insert of the key with a clean lint free cloth. There is a fine wire inside the cylinder that wipes across the pellet in the key to read it. The wire sometimes builds up some dirt or oxidation that needs to be cleaned.
Fuel filter is on the inside face of the frame at the drivers side rear wheel well. You need the special fuel line release tool (sold at most auto parts stores) to release the fuel line from the filter. Jack up the drivers rear side and it can be accessed. Take the rear wheel off for the most room. Toughest part is usually releasing the gas line if you have never used the tool.
Key Cylinder.
Unless you know the wire in the cylinder is broken, or the key is badly worn, I wouldn't change out the cylinder. Lots of things to consider.
The key cylinder can be replaced but you will either need to have the new cylinder rekeyed to your current key or have a key that doesn't match the other key cylinders on the car. Usually the cylinder will come with a key. The key will most likely have a different resistor pellet value than your present key. You can go through the BCM-PCM relearn procedure to cause the new key resistance to be learned or purchase a blank key with the correct resistance value and then have it cut to the new key pattern. Here is the list of resistance values for the C5 keys. Measure your current key resistor if you plan to buy a blank and have it cut:
Here is the BCM PCM relearn procedure. Insure your battery is FULLY Charged before starting the procedure:
BCM/PCM RELEARN PROCEDURE
You will need to conduct the PCM/BCM relearn process. This matches their handshake ID's and allows them to talk to each other.
Do this before you worry about VATS issues:
1. Turn on the key for 11 minutes.
2 Turn off the key for 30 seconds.
3. Repeat 1&2 two more times.
4. Turn on the key for 30 seconds.
The car should start and run with the new BCM.
This will sync the PCM to the New BCM
Once the BCM and PCM are sync'ed up you can start and drive the car. However, RPO's that the car has installed MUST be programmed into the BCM using a TECH II. RPO's on the car must be turned on in the BCM. For example if your car had options like the F45 or F55 suspension, the BCM must be told its there. Similarly with wheher the car is a manual vs automatic, etc. You can get the RPO list from the Glove box door and if you have someone that has a TECH II you can do that yourself. Not all the RPO's listed on the Glove box door get programmed into the BCM.
And lastly here is a link to the procedure for removing the ignition switch. In the removal procedure is information for separating the key cylinder from the ignition switch:
Last question, does the po108 c code indicate to you a fuel filter problem. I read something about Manifold Absolute Pressure...Possibly fuel pump? Just seems wierd but I do understand the key maybe the entire problem. On a side note, I checked and the recall on my column lock was performed by GM sometime back before I bought the car. The car died a couple weeks ago. It would run but when you went to move it it would cut fuel off and stop. The mechanic replaced a couple relays under the pssenger floor board. It ran fine but I did notice sometime the locking mechanism would not make any noise in the column whn you turnd the key on and at other times you could hear it cycle. All of this seems to point to a key problem and anti-theft issue.
The fuel filter contains the fuel pressure regulator on the 98 so the fuel filter may well be a problem.
I suggest that you clear the codes and then try starting the car again. If it fails to start pull the codes BEFORE you turn off the ignition. Post what codes come back after the clear.
P1626 is a theft deterrent fuel system enable code so the no start may be security related. ie your key is NOT being read correctly. Perhaps try your backup key.
The fuel filter DOES NOT contain the regulator on a 1998, the regulator is on the fuel rail.
Hi yes I know how to pull the codes hiolding the option button and hitting fuel button 4 times. I did that and cleared all the codes. i cleaned the key with the pencil eraser but do not have access to radio Shack until tomorrow for the electronic cleaner. For now I have just left the key in the car by itself. I lock the doors with the fob and it seems to work perfectly for the moment. The car is always garaged and basically a weekend toy so it never sits out. I do want to clean up the switch. I believe that is my problem and I dont want to get into programming a new key kinda thing if I dont need to. The car runs perfectly with plenty of power so not sure where that code came from about the map.
Hi yes I know how to pull the codes hiolding the option button and hitting fuel button 4 times. I did that and cleared all the codes. i cleaned the key with the pencil eraser but do not have access to radio Shack until tomorrow for the electronic cleaner. For now I have just left the key in the car by itself. I lock the doors with the fob and it seems to work perfectly for the moment. The car is always garaged and basically a weekend toy so it never sits out. I do want to clean up the switch. I believe that is my problem and I dont want to get into programming a new key kinda thing if I dont need to. The car runs perfectly with plenty of power so not sure where that code came from about the map.
Well here Iam 3 hrs later. Drove the Vette about a mile and it ran great then sputtering spiting and finally quit in the driveway as I turned in. I let it go off. I switched the key off then cycled it back on and checked the codes. NO codes show up? Any ideas? Fuel pump maybe? Filter? The mechanic will or can ck pressure Tuesday but do they fail all at once or intermittantly?
I got no codes after the engine stalled and then again after I cycled through it again. I just checked again. Nothing on codes..It tries to start but wont...Thanks for all the advise.
Ok guys..Here we go..Mechanic came over and the car showed 1/2 tank of fuel. A feul pressure gage was hooked up and nothing but air was blowing just like it was out of fuel. I put a gallon of gas in it and it cranked and ran great. We drove it to gas station and it only held 8 more gallons. We are guessing something happened to the pick up tube in the tank. The key issue was fixed with Radio Shack electronics cleaner and a pencil eraser for the key. Next move is taking out the pump and see whats goingf on there. I have been driving it trying to get some gas out of her before we pull the pump. Seems Im good to go till around 1/2 tank. Any comments on this would be welcomed. Any similar problems out there? Thanks..Rick
Your two fuel tanks are connected at the TOP of the tank with a cross over line. When you fill the tank, you only fill the driver’s side and when the drivers tank is near full, it spills over into the passengers tank and fills that tank
The fuel pump is in only in the driver’s tank. The pump has a small line that puts pressurized fuel into a siphon pump inside the passengers tank and that siphon pump removes fuel from the passengers tank and transfers it into the driver’s side.
Your either not getting the pressurized fuel from the drivers tank pump OR the siphon pump is clogged (common problem)
If you ran the tank dry and it was pumping air, I would consider changing out the pump in the drivers tank. Fuel keeps the pump and motor cool. When you have the fuel assemblies out, inspect the fuel senders and make sure that the small sensor strip isn’t worn or damaged.
NOTE and WARNING!!! The passenger’s side tank will most likely have a LOT of fuel in it when you remove the access.