• Got the Contributing Memberships stuff finally worked out and made up a thread as a sort of "How-To" to help people figure out how to participate. So if you need help figuring it out, here's the thread you need to take a look at -> http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3581 Thank you, everyone! Rich Z.

94 starts 2 sec and shuts off

P

plastic fantastic

New member
After siphoning some fuel out to use in my generator during a power outage, my car would not start. I figured I sucked it dry. About a month later I got some gas, put it in and now it starts for 2 seconds and dies. I tried an OBD 2 my neighbor has, but it just says ERR. I did not see OBD 2 on any underhood stickers. Can anyone help me?:banghead::mad:
 
OBD2 wasnt til 96/97 and later. you probably have air in the line. keep cranking and make sure you have good gasoline in the fuel tank. Gas kept in a plastic can over a week turns bad.

who knows, maybe you dont have enough gas in the tank or the fuel pump went out. . .
 
you need an obd1 scanner (94-96). first thing i would look at is fuel pressure. turn the ignition to run, you should hear the fuel pump engage. set the fuel pressure gauge under the hood so you can see it from the driver seat. not sure with a c4, but with my 94 f-body, i could jump two of the ports in the obd1 port and flash the ses light. the series of flashes will tell you whats disfunctioning. do a google search on obd1 codes and you can look it up http://www.corvetteflorida.com/forums/showthread.php?t=981. good luck and keep us posted
 
The gas I put in was fresh from the gas station to 6 gal container to tank. I do not hear the fuel pump running. I will have to buy a fuel gauge to check pressure. It can't be air cause I cranked and cranked on a few occasions and nothing changed. It still starts right up, then dies.
 
what kind of mods do you have? when is starts are you how long does it turn over without the starter? are you giving it some gas. sounds like could be a loose ignition system too. check the opti and the plugs.
 
Last edited:
plastic fantastic said:
The gas I put in was fresh from the gas station to 6 gal container to tank. I do not hear the fuel pump running. I will have to buy a fuel gauge to check pressure. It can't be air cause I cranked and cranked on a few occasions and nothing changed. It still starts right up, then dies.
Click to expand...

how much gas did u put in the car??? some cars can take over 3 gals to start again if they are run (sucked) dry:lmao:

You might want to check your vats key also...
 
plastic fantastic said:
After siphoning some fuel out to use in my generator during a power outage, my car would not start. I figured I sucked it dry. About a month later I got some gas, put it in and now it starts for 2 seconds and dies. I tried an OBD 2 my neighbor has, but it just says ERR. I did not see OBD 2 on any underhood stickers. Can anyone help me?:banghead::mad:
Click to expand...
My guess is you have a bad Fuel pump relay or a Blown Fuse,but you would need a service manual to check this out!! There are some other trouble shooting tests to do to rule things out!! There should be 10 amp fuses in the Fuse Panel at the right end of the dash board!! There marked FP1 and FP2 and there in the #14 and #15 slot of the Fuse Panel!! 1 for Start up,1 for running,the fuel pump dosen't run through the relay at start up!! You obviously have fuel at start up,so check the fuses first!!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup: This top Photo is of the Fuse Door on my 94 so it is OBD 1,they went to OBD II in 96!!The bottom photo is the location of the FP relay!!:thumbsup:

PS If you need Call me at 1-877-677-2984 ext 1,2 or 5
 
Last edited:
OK I put in 6 gallons of fuel. I found one of the fuel pump fuses blown, so I replaced it. I have no modifications. I charged up the battery again. I tuned it up about 10k miles ago and it had been running great starting up on the first shot. I still starts right up, runs 2 sec and shuts off. If the relay is bad could this cause this condition? fuses are still good. I still dont hear the fuel pump when i turn the ignition to start.
 
plastic fantastic said:
OK I put in 6 gallons of fuel. I found one of the fuel pump fuses blown, so I replaced it. I have no modifications. I charged up the battery again. I tuned it up about 10k miles ago and it had been running great starting up on the first shot. I still starts right up, runs 2 sec and shuts off. If the relay is bad could this cause this condition? fuses are still good. I still dont hear the fuel pump when i turn the ignition to start.
Click to expand...
That or the fuel pump!!But it would bout have to be the relay!! You have fuel to start!!:shrug01:
 
Thanks GM Junkie! Do you know if I have someone hook it up on an OBD1 if it will tell me if its the relay or the pump? By the way, I saw your 94 looks nice! I dont know anything about electronics, wish it was a pre 78 so I could work on it! I have service manuals, but no patience for this computer stuff.:shrug01: Mine is Black w/110k miles. Ran a 13.35 @105 at moroso on a cool night right after I changed the plugs, wires and put some octane boost in it.
 
plastic fantastic said:
Can't find fuel pump relay, mine does not look like the picture you showed.:banghead:
Click to expand...
Ok, look on the left front wheel Splash Shield below the ECM,some had them there!!I was thinking it was the earlier models though!! :thumbsup:My 94 isn't here right now,My Daughter is driveing it and she is off to school in Charlotte!!If she comes home today I'll Look at it,But I'm sure it the same as that photo!!:shrug01::shrug01:

PS Have you checked the fuse-able links behind the battery??I think one of them go to the relay too!! I'll do some more research!! I'll Be Bhock!:hehehe:
 
Just a thought but maybe you have a clogged fuel filter from running the tank empty, if you find you don't have fuel getting to the fuel rail I'd check that before replacing the pump.
 
I did check all the fusible links and they are all good. I will look under the ECM for the FP relay when I get home tonight. I have not replaced the fuel filter, that's a thought! I know there is always junk at the bottom of the tank. Thanks
 
Found the FP relay under the passenger side knee bolster, changed it and nothing. Also changed the fuel filter and nothing.:NoNo: Starts up 2 seconds and shuts off. No main fuses bad near battery. Ready to call the dealer and have it towed in. I am at wits end. I need to drive the car to relieve some stress. Rear tires will pay for this frustration!
 
Took it to the dealer for a check, it turned out to be the fuel pump. So if any one else has this problem, check the fuses, the relay and then listen for the pump to run. If you don't hear it, it's bad! $348 dollars to repair.
 
Man, glad you finally got this problem fixed. Thanks for letting us know what the cause of it was.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top