Service fuel System error, car won't start.

[MattBlueXLR]

I previously posted the information below, but forgot to add one additional thing that I am seeing. Although the car won't start, the dashboard still comes to life and shows an error stating "Service Fuel System". Any other suggestions are appreciated.


My 2004 XLR wont start. Key FOB's are recognized, but when I push the start button nothing happens. Yes, I'm pushing the brake pedal as well. The engine does not try to crank, the battery does not make a click. Interior lights work fine, and about 5 seconds after hitting the start button, all of the gauges on the instrument panel come to life as though the car has started. So I tested the battery and found it was low on CCA, so I replaced it. Nothing changed, still won't start. Hooked up scanner, but found no errors. So my mechanic and I traced fuses for fuel pump, starter, etc. (by the way, we do hear the fuel pump when the car tries to start). swapped a couple relay modules in the fuse box, to confirm that starter and fuel pump relays were working properly.

If I toggle the engine start button downward to turn on accessories, I can move the shift lever to Neutral, but the car won't start in that position either. This is confirm that the transmission lockout is functioning properly.

From other threads I've read, it sounds like it could be the starter, but since you have to remove the top of the engine to get to it, I was looking for any other results that someone might have found in a similar situation.

Thanks for your responses in advance. Matt

 

[richardyoo]

It sounds like the car is going into "Run (no start)" - which happens when you hold the lower portion of the start button down for a few seconds...

I wonder if your start button is defective and needs to be replaced?

Also - if the starter is commanded you should be able to check that with the Tech2 or by checking the starter relay to see if its being engaged on start-up.

But yes - if you need to replace the starter, the intake manifold needs to come off to get to it.

 

[BusaMan]

It sounds like the car is going into "Run (no start)" - which happens when you hold the lower portion of the start button down for a few seconds...

I wonder if your start button is defective and needs to be replaced?

Also - if the starter is commanded you should be able to check that with the Tech2 or by checking the starter relay to see if its being engaged on start-up.

But yes - if you need to replace the starter, the intake manifold needs to come off to get to it.

Hi, Richard. It’s been a while.
Well, I’m now having a similar problem as MattBlueXLR reported. First indication of a problem that I had was: got in the car, all normal. Pressed brake and hit start button… NADA. No sign that the starter "heard" the order to START. I thought the fob might be weak, so I changed the battery and gave it another go… same result (crickets). I put the fob into the secret slot in the glove compartment… got "no fob found" message, so I rotated the fob 180º and got a "step on the brake to start" msg. I did so and it fired right up like it’s supposed to. Since I hadn’t had it on the Battery Tender, like a good little boy should have, I figured weak battery. (4-year old Optima YELLOW TOP). So I drove it home and put it on the tender. After it was all recharged, it exhibited the same behavior again. SO, I bought another Optima Yellow Top, and installed it today. During the swap, I noticed lots of corrosion on the + terminal, so cleaned that up w/ the steel brush tool, applied dielectric grease to the terminals, and buttoned it up for the expected start. NADA! No codes, no messages, some clicking around. I tried messing w/ the Starter switch, ACC mode, open the door, etc. Tried the fob slot trick again, NO JOY. Finally, after opening/closing the door, going to/from ACC mode, I got the "Step on the brake message" again (which I had been doing all along. I’ve had this car for 13 years, so I DO know how to start it). The car started right up again! I’m wondering about the switch, as well. Don’t know why it would die, but who knows? Are they hard to swap? I’m not looking forward to taking the dash apart. Has anyone else ever had to replace the START switch?
I’ve always been impressed by your responses, Richard, and hope that you see this one. My ’06 Lt. Platinum base looks just like yours, but w/ the "V" rims. Love it.