2002 Camaro cuts when starting.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 15
Likes: 5
2002 Camaro cuts when starting. My 2002 35th Anniversary Edition Camaro will not hold a start. It cuts out when starting. Check gauges light will briefly flash on when this happens.
Last edited by Camarogal2002; Dec 23, 2022 at 02:25 AM.
Are you saying that it starts and runs but shuts down or is it that the starter is not starting the car? Trying to understand if you're having a starting issue or an engine running issue.
If it starts then dies it could be a fueling issue and you could have a clogged fuel filter, possibly the relay for the fuel pump or regulator is bad or the fuel pump itself. It could also be an issue with the vehicles anti theft system or VATS. Start by making sure you have adequate fuel pressure at the fuel rail when keyed on to start and see if it holds the pressure while trying to run in order to rule out fuel delivery issues. There's many things that it could be.
The VATS could be your problem and I don't know how to go about dealing with this other than a bypass which I've seen done on youtube on a similar vehicle but this was for a no start issue. You may want to try and disable VATS on the ECU with tuning software such as HPTuners and see if that solves your problem. With a VATS issue the engine will start momentarily then shut down.
Trending Topics
I get that but I felt that trying to help was more important but OP would get more responses if it were moved to the appropiate section. Maybe a moderator will step in and handle this.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Awesome K5 Blazer Restomod Comes With C7 Corvette Power
Verdad Gallardo
10 Camaros You Should Never Buy
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 383
Likes: 108
It could be a lot of things. It does sound like when VATS is engaged. VATS cuts both injector pulse and power to fuel pump.
Hook up a fuel pressure gauge would be my first step. Report your values with key on, engine off. Does the pressure hold for about 5-10 minutes?
You can check for injector pulse by back probing the injector connector and checking with a test light. Test light should blink with cranking.
Recently I did a rear main seal on my 06 suburban and it sat for over a week. Upon refiring after job was complete I was having those same exact symptoms. It would fire and immediately die. I was second guessing my job and spent like 2 hours checking fuel pressure and fuses. It turned out my battery died.
So start with the basics.
Hook up a fuel pressure gauge would be my first step. Report your values with key on, engine off. Does the pressure hold for about 5-10 minutes?
You can check for injector pulse by back probing the injector connector and checking with a test light. Test light should blink with cranking.
Recently I did a rear main seal on my 06 suburban and it sat for over a week. Upon refiring after job was complete I was having those same exact symptoms. It would fire and immediately die. I was second guessing my job and spent like 2 hours checking fuel pressure and fuses. It turned out my battery died.
So start with the basics.
I’d start with pulling codes. If CEL is blinking, or flashing, the ECM has stored a code or two. As said above, it could be anything sensor related. If it’s fuel delivery related, you won’t see codes 99% of the time. Moving this to external for now…
Banned
Joined: May 2020
Posts: 252
Likes: 84
From: USA
I've looked at the OP's previous posts, all of them. This problem has been going on since September, it's been in a shop. Now, same problem is asked about again.
I'd like to see a list of the history of relevant things that have been done while chasing this problem. It will make the guessing game a little shorter.
I'd like to see a list of the history of relevant things that have been done while chasing this problem. It will make the guessing game a little shorter.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 15
Likes: 5
So sorry that I have seemed to post my issue/problem in the wrong area. Just looking for some help. I have been everywhere with this problem. An authorized Chevrolet dealer to GM Headquarters themselves. And still no satisfaction or resolution to my problem. I still have a car that I am unable to drive.
Again I apologize for posting incorrectly. I never meant to upset anyone. Just was looking for some help.
Again I apologize for posting incorrectly. I never meant to upset anyone. Just was looking for some help.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 383
Likes: 108
I've looked at the OP's previous posts, all of them. This problem has been going on since September, it's been in a shop. Now, same problem is asked about again.
I'd like to see a list of the history of relevant things that have been done while chasing this problem. It will make the guessing game a little shorter.
I'd like to see a list of the history of relevant things that have been done while chasing this problem. It will make the guessing game a little shorter.
Not sure what to advice now with the additional background story. We really need to know what OPs capabilities are. If anything, a test light and a fuel pressure gauge, at the minimum are absolutely needed to diagnose this. That can be as inexpensive as $40. They will pay for themselves in a few uses.
Lot's of things can be the possibilities: fuel pump, FPR, crank sensor, VATS, relay, etc., a wiring issue such as a bad wire to any of the previously mentioned items, bad ground (more likely in the Northern states that suffer from heavy corrosion, but anything is possible.)
Where are you located?
I think the big question here is: Are there any codes and is the engine getting adequate fuel? It soumds like it runs and then dies, so are we having a fuel pressure drop or is something else going on? One of my trucks has a V6 and it wouldn't run for **** but after replacing the distibutor cap, plugs and wires it started right up and purred like a kitten. The V6 cars came equipped with DBW and the MAF for these aren't cheap and have been discontinued so finding one of those in good condition is like cutting teeth but before spending a bunch of money do the simple things like verify that you have a healthy battery and that all of your connections and grounds are good and clean. Connect a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail and check fuel pressure when keyed to the on postition, it should be around 48-54 psi and if not then start looking at the fuel system. Connect an OBDII scanner and see if any codes come up and how about the oil and filter, air filter, fuel filter, plugs and wires. When is the last time those have been changed? A vehicle that sits for long periods of time dosen't fare well with the fuel in them due to the ethanol which draws moisture/water of which contamintates the fuel and will cause corrosion. Hope this gives you some ideas on where to start and GL with everything.