Will not stay running

Tiny
RFSHEA01
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CHEVROLET ASTRO
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • 178,000 MILES
My van has developed a problem I thought to be the fuel pump. But, I have replaced the fuel pump, fuel filter and the fuel pump relay and it still only runs a few seconds and shuts off regardless of whether I step on the gas or not. I have bought a fuel pressure gauge and it shows when first keyed on 60 lbs of pressure. When it shuts off it drops down to 55 lbs. Another interesting thing is if I leave it alone for an hour or so it will drop down to about 35 lbs I don't know if that is normal or not. I feel like I'm a little out of my area of knowledge here as I'm a carpenter but usually handle my own automotive repairs. Can you help me out with this?
Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 4:35 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

The fuel pressure is good. You are right on the button.

What I would try is a security reset to see of the key forgot the password for the system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

Roy

CONDITIONS

IMPORTANT: If a new vehicle control module (VCM) is being installed for the first the manufacturing enable bit will be set and the auto learn procedure may not be necessary.

The following procedure allows for anyone to reprogram the PASSLOCK/EVO module learned data code with any tools, other than the scan tool, when any of the following parts are replaced:
The PASSLOCK TM/EVO module
The PASSLOCK sensor
The VCM

The PASSLOCK/EVO module will set the DTC B3031 module in the learn mode when entering the reprogramming procedure.

STEPS

IMPORTANT: Erase the PASSLOCK related diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) that are stored in the VCM. If there are any powertrain related DTCs, record these DTCs and refer to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Computers and Control Systems - 4.3L

In addition to the time involved in performing the specific steps, the Seed and Key procedure accomplishes the same task in 10 minutes as the Auto Learn procedure does in 30 minutes. To perform the Seed and Key Learn procedure, refer to PASSLOCK Reprogramming Seed and Key. See: Antitheft and Alarm Systems > Procedures > PASSLOCK Reprogramming Seed and Key

The following is the Auto Learn Procedure:
1. Insure the ignition key is in the ON position.
2. Clear all PASSLOCK/EVO module and VCM DTCs. Record and refer any VCM DTCs to A Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check in Computers and Control Systems - 4.3L
3. Momentarily rotate the ignition key to the CRANK position (Do NOT start the vehicle), then release it to the RUN position (Do NOT key OFF in the process).
4. Wait 10 minutes. Observe the SECURITY indicator. Refer to the following list for the appropriate responses:
If the PASSLOCK sensor was replaced the SECURITY indicator will flash for the 10 minutes duration.
If the PASSLOCK/EVO 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 was replaced with a new programmed VCM and connected to the vehicle for the first time, the vehicle will Stand and this procedure may not be necessary.
If the replacement VCM 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.
5. The SECURITY indicator will transition from flashing to ON briefly to OFF after 10 minutes if remaining in the ignition ON position.
6. Turn the ignition switch to the OFF position and wait for 10 seconds.
7. Repeat steps 3-6 two more times. The new security code is ready to be communicated among the PASSLOCK sensor, PASSLOCK/EVO module and VCM. The new password is learned on the next ignition lock cylinder cycle from OFF to CRANK to ON (start attempt).
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Friday, December 18th, 2020 AT 5:03 PM
Tiny
RFSHEA01
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Omg! This might be beyond my capabilities. For starters I do not even have the original keys and I don't think there is anything electronic within the ones that I do have. I remember several years ago having extra keys cut just in case I lost the originals which sure as heck I did. But my van always started fine with these keys and unlocked the doors fine. Are you saying I had an electronic key and now I will have to go to Chevrolet and purchase one of those by the VIN? I assume that's what I would need to get the key made. Please say no because I am on a very limited budget due to this darn COVID 19. And can the keys work that I have now?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 2:50 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You could call a locksmith to come to your house and replace the keys and program them right there.

Much cheaper than the dealer process.

Roy
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 2:54 AM
Tiny
RFSHEA01
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
This might help a lot. So you are telling me that all I got to do is call a locksmith he will come out with keys and program them here on site and put the key in and presto the car will fire up? Or do I have to get the car to accept the new key?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 2:44 PM
Tiny
RFSHEA01
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Oh boy, I just should have known it wouldn't be so easy. I just got off the phone with a locksmith here in San Jose CA. He says there is no anti theft device on a 1998 Chevrolet Astro. Now I did try to disagree with him because I previously went to a Chevrolet site and saw the advertisement from 1998 and they were saying it had one. But this guy was completely adamant that there was nothing to program in the key. Those last three words emphasized. In the key. This guy gained a little credibility with me when he said it has an antitheft if something other than the key is used to try to start it but no chip in key. I'm pretty sure I read that at the Chevrolet site. What say you?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 3:11 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
In the key, yes, there is no chip but it is still part of the security system itself.

Roy
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 3:18 PM
Tiny
RFSHEA01
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Roy,

I got to say you're a stud man. I wish you lived in San Jose because I would trust you to work on anything of mine. You know more about cars than I ever dreamed could be known. Okay, so back to the task at hand if there is no chip in the key. Why do I need a locksmith? One thing I forgot about was about 6 months ago I lost the keys and replaced the ignition lock myself why didn't it do this then? Not that I'm not grateful it didn't but why now? The only other thing I am attempting to do is install a radio in it and let me say it is really resistant to that. The radio requires one hot to the ignition switch one to the battery and one to the instrument cluster. And I think I just answered my own question. The ignition switch am I correct?
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Saturday, December 19th, 2020 AT 9:21 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, let us back up.

Can you check for any codes in the system?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Does the security light or theft light come on when toy turn the key on? If it does, does it go out after about 10 seconds?

Roy

The design of the Passlock(TM) system is to prevent vehicle theft by disabling the engine unless the Passlock(TM) lock cylinder rotates properly by engaging the correct ignition key. The system is similar in concept to the passkey system. However, the Passlock(TM) eliminates the need for a key mounted resistor pellet. The components of the system are as follows:
The ignition lock cylinder
The ignition switch
The Passlock(TM) sensor
The Passlock(TM)/EVO module
The security indicator
The Vehicle Control Module (VCM)
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Sunday, December 20th, 2020 AT 4:21 AM

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