Start and immediate cut off Issue

[coletrainb]

Long time lurker, first time poster. I have a 1998 Astro Tiara Conversion Van. Has been running great up until about a month ago. I went to start it and it starts and immediately shuts off. I was very low on gas, but didn't think low enough to cause this. Either way went and added 4 gallons of gas - nothing. Swapped out the fuel filter, still nothing. Fuel pressure is good (used a gauge - I think it was 55). Replaced the distributer, as the cap was cracked and contacts were corroded, figured it couldn't hurt, still no good. Then was reading about poppets, and how sometimes that could cause my issue? and could potentially be fixed with Techron, so 5 bottles of Techron later, no change. Last thing I replaced was the Crankshaft Position Sensor, still nothing. Any ideas?

[AstroWill]

Does the security light stay on?

[coletrainb]

So when it is back in the on position the security light is on, but not flashing. I tried a “key relearn” This morning but it either wasn’t the issue, wasn’t the solution, or I did it wrong.

[AstroWill]

Sounds like a passlock failure. The light should turn on for a bulb check when you first turn the ignition key to the on position then turn off.

If the light stays on there is a failure and you will want to read the codes.

[coletrainb]

Thanks, that will be my next step

[SammamishAstro]

Hello!!!
I have this exact same issue. 2001 Chevy Astro AWD. Turn key to position 1, hear fuel pump prime. Turn to start, engine fires up briefly and shuts down. No security light.
Initially assumed it was a VTD shut down and bad passlock…..but after looking at it and doing passlock re-establish has no effect.
Tried to see if any code thrown but unable to communicate....will have to chase that down as well.
Saw some suggestions that it could be the ignition Module not giving an injector signal. Also Crankshaft Position sensor a possible?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

[AstroWill]

Hello!!!
I have this exact same issue. 2001 Chevy Astro AWD. Turn key to position 1, hear fuel pump prime. Turn to start, engine fires up briefly and shuts down. No security light.
Initially assumed it was a VTD shut down and bad passlock…..but after looking at it and doing passlock re-establish has no effect.
Tried to see if any code thrown but unable to communicate....will have to chase that down as well.
Saw some suggestions that it could be the ignition Module not giving an injector signal. Also Crankshaft Position sensor a possible?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Does the security light turn on at all when you first turn the key to the on position?

[SammamishAstro]

Hello!!!
I have this exact same issue. 2001 Chevy Astro AWD. Turn key to position 1, hear fuel pump prime. Turn to start, engine fires up briefly and shuts down. No security light.
Initially assumed it was a VTD shut down and bad passlock…..but after looking at it and doing passlock re-establish has no effect.
Tried to see if any code thrown but unable to communicate....will have to chase that down as well.
Saw some suggestions that it could be the ignition Module not giving an injector signal. Also Crankshaft Position sensor a possible?

Any help is greatly appreciated!

Does the security light turn on at all when you first turn the key to the on position?

OK! Need to update and refine my progress.....
Ron's Trucks suggested to get a new key cut at the dealership from the VIN. He had a similar issue to mine and that had cleared it up for him....Got a key cut for $11 ...cheap if it will work...worst case I have an extra key....
Sorry Ron...didin't work for me...same symptoms....
SO I need to add that when I had plugged in my code reader....I got nothing...as in no communication. Read some on this issue and the number one is to make sure there is power + at the OBDI port.....alas....no power....looking around for the fuse for it...cracked open the manual and fopr the 2001 it is located below the dash, above the brake pedal.....pop open this cover and it is the 25 amp AUX fuse......low and behold it is blown...pop in new fuse and with the anticipation of a 6 year old on Christmas morning, plug in the reader...yay! It's alive...OK check for codes....NONE!!! Hmmm.... start flipping thru the live data feed and find that the fuel pressure reading is 19 PSI when the prime is triggered....turn the key, get initial fire up and run (1 second or so) pressure drops to 9 psi....hmmm....perhaps I have a fuel pump issue..... go through the manuals troubleshooting section and it also leads me to fuel pump....OK..now go to O'Riellys ….pick up the loaner fuel pressure test kit and a new fuel pump and filter.....Tommorrow, on to checking fuel pressure and possible fuel pump replacement.

I'll let you all know how it goes.... Thanks for all the help!!!!

[SammamishAstro]

AstroWill

Sorry I didn't answer your question....when at first key position, all lights come on, fuel primes (you can hear it), lights go out. Turn key to start, engine briefly fires up and shuts down....no security light.

[Leeann_93]

You're getting 19psi and 9psi on an '01???? Good lord, it's incredible it runs even for a second.

[MechBob]

Your scan tool is lying to you.There is no fuel pressure sensor to give you a readout.

[SammamishAstro]

OK...today's update
I borrowed the auto shops fuel pressure test set and checked it out....hook it up and turn to prime and instantly 60psi.....turn key, it fires for about a second or so and dies, fuel pressure goes down to around 50psi....so, not a fuel pump issue.

Crack open the shop manual and fumbling around I find the passage the describes my issue to a T. Manual says its either the ignition unit or the BCM..... do some more reading and looking on the internet......come across several references to the New Rockies Passlock bypass module. Decide to give it a try. The Bypass module arrived this morning. I started working on it around 7:30 this evening and by 9:00 it was up and running!! $259 for the module...much better than the cost of the replacement partsand it's got a lifetime guarranty…...and it works!

Thanks for all the help and suggestions!

[AstroWill]

! $259 for the module...much better than the cost of the replacement partsand it's got a lifetime guarranty…...and it works!

Ouch, that is pricey. Could program that out of the PCM for a lot less.
Regardless, glad you are up and running again and thanks for posting your solution!