Questions and Answers

GMC Jimmy Codes 54 And 32 Q. Hi, I have a 1994 GMC Jimmy with the Vortec 4.3. About a year ago we took it to a local shop because it would barley run and smelled of gas. The bill was $978.00 and a year later it is doing the same thing. Supposedly some lines that distribute the fuel to each of the cylinders were bad and the unit was replaced. I don't know the technical name for it I call it a "spider" fuel distribution assembly, it was replaced.

The car is doing basically the same thing again with codes 54 and 32. The car turns over a lot before it starts and time to time smells strongly of fuel. It has had an EGR valve put on it at the same time as the other work and I myself installed a fuel pump.

At times it feels as if it will barely run. The explanation of the codes I've read say that there is a problem in the fuel circuit or relay and that the Barometric Pressure sensor has a circuit failure or the EGR valve diagnostic switch is closed during start up or open when EGR flow is requested.

Where should I look for the problem? When it runs as it should, it runs great and usually after it is warm, it starts easier. It is an automatic and has 173000 miles on it with the last 100000 put on it by my sister

I have a fair grasp of what the computer does on these cars and have a lot of general car repair experience but this is driving me crazy! Can you help?

Thanks,
Mac
Walkertown, NC

A. Code 54 is related to the fuel pump relay. This could cause an extended crank problem. The code 32 is an EGR code. Sounds like the CPI unit is leaking to me but you need to put a fuel pressure gauge on it to be sure. The pressure should be approximately 47 psi. It should hold this pressure when key is turned off.

If press drops off you will need to remove the upper intake plenum. There are only 10 studs/nuts holding this on. Flip it to the side and check under it for fuel in intake. If so you will need another CPI unit and yes, they are expensive!