Engine cranks and fires then dies, PLEASE HELP

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HotWheelsBurban

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OK cool let us know how it goes once you're done. I didn't go the resistor route cause I didn't want to tear into the column. But cranking up fine and then shutting fuel off after 2 seconds is EXACTLY what Passlock does when it's working. Or more to the point, what it does gradually more often, and eventually all the time, when it's NOT working...... I have also read on here from longtime members who have done the resistor thing, that eventually the resistor has too much resistance to work properly. Seems to me that a lot of electrical stuff is made to work for X number of duty cycles and then it quits. Electronically deleting the Passlock function from the computer with a tune is like removing an app from your phone. Once it's gone, it's gone until it gets put back in the same way. Which I wouldn't do unless I had a new control box and a known good spare one.....
Unfortunately not everything is easily obtainable for these trucks! I do understand the resistor is much cheaper than the tune though!
 

someotherguy

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Until you check it for codes, wondering what's wrong is kind of pointless. Assuming it has no codes just because it immediately stalls out is potentially snatching defeat from the jaws of victory.

It SOUNDS like Passlock is giving you the blues. I'd try to rule that out first before swapping a bunch of other parts.

There are PCM codes related to Passlock, and BCM codes as well - obviously you won't be reading BCM codes with any simple scan too, but you should be able to pull PCM codes with any OBD2 reader.

Richard
 

mattillac

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From the relearn procedure.

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  • If the PASSLOCK(TM) sensor was replaced the SECURITY indicator will flash for the 10 minutes duration.
  • If the EVO/PASSLOCK(TM) module was replaced, the SECURITY indicator will flash for a few seconds and then remain ON for the remainder of the 10 minutes duration.
  • If the VCM/PCM was replaced with a new programmed VCM/PCM and connected to the vehicle for the first time, the vehicle will start and this procedure may not be necessary.
  • If the replacement VCM/PCM was connected to any vehicle at any other time, even momentarily, the SECURITY indicator will flash for a few seconds and then remain ON for the 10 minutes duration.
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Seems as though it would be passlock realated (pcm disabling your injectors), I believe that the security light staying ON constant is indicating a problem.

Example of something which might cause a solid light would probably be a open connection between the body control module and the lock cylinder.

Remote start electronics (if vehicle has/had one) are typically wired in between body control module and lock cylinder.
 

Burban117

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Well I appreciate all the help guys, I ended up taking it to the mechanic. He said there were no codes to read almost like the computer had been reset. I'm waiting to hear back now, I told him about the security feature and he said he'd look into it.

Thanks again for all the advice I'll keep you posted
 

Pinger

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You can hot wire the fuel pump by removing the relay and using a jumper lead between connections 87 and 30. Then, the pump will run continuously until you remove the jumper. Doesn't cure the PassLock problem but helps confirm it as the source of your grief and gets the truck running where you are otherwise stranded. Just don't blame me if it screws something else up.
 

96 Cheyenne

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How new are the crankshaft position sensor, throttle position sensor and fuel pump relay? Try switching the relay with another one that has the same pins.
I had this same problem with my 99 Burb last year. Loaded the parts cannon and replaced TPS,CPS, rotor with a Blue Streak one, and fuel pump and starter relays, over about 6 months. It would be absolutely perfect for 2 or 3 days, or a week, then wouldn't start and stay running at all. Then it would fire right up and run as it should, like nothing was wrong. This issue is what got me to this forum!
I tried all the "relearn " procedures and some worked great and some didn't. I think that what it was, was that the Passlock module under the dashboard was going out. These are circuit boards and after 20+ years of bouncing around they start coming apart. I've read that they can be resoldered or rebuilt, but that wasn't in my options. What I finally did was find a local speed shop that mainly works on and tunes LS's. Camaros,Vettes,CTS-V's, that sort of thing. They looked askance at my old Burb, but I explained what it was doing and what I wanted done. Basically, I had them tune the Passlock out of the main computer. There's other posts and threads that cover this on here that explain it better. It cost me $250, but it was done in October of last year and the truck starts up great every time now.
One other thing I would suggest: look at all your connections and terminals. Bad grounds and corroded or loose wires have been at the root of many mysterious and troublesome and frustrating electrical problems. My Burb did the "no start when hot" BS in January; turned out to be a loose ignition terminal on the starter solenoid (the small one) and a badly corroded positive cable. If you have to replace the cables, if there's a shop in your area that makes cables (welding or battery shop), that's what I would recommend. The factory style cables are very expensive and hard to find! I had the 8 foot cable that goes from the battery across the fan shroud and down the driver's side inner fender panel to the main computer, for under $12! Would have been over $125 at the parts store and waiting a week for it to come from the east coast.
Not doing that! This is the daily driver and only vehicle for my family, gotta have it back up asap. So I definitely feel your pain on that. There are tricks with resistors and things to bypass the Passlock system, but you have to get into the steering column or under the dashboard.
Thanks for reading my long winded explanation and post, hope this helps with your truck! Post updates on this forum when you get it sorted out!
Same prob my dad, 96 Cheyenne 4.3 cpi. Crank no start. Replace pump, still no pressur. Checked fuse and relay, no pressure. Had spark and compression though. Checked fuel pump at harness no power. Re grounded it. New cables. Battery read bad at AutoZone. Got one from buddy and nothing. Crankshaft sensor was bare metal, and shorted from oil leak. Think it's from behind block. Can oil pressure sensor leak? Anyway put sensor on and no dash or ignition. Any ideas?
 
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