Experiencing a no-start issue with your 2016 Ss Camaro can be frustrating, especially when the engine cranks but fails to ignite. A common scenario reported by Camaro owners involves the engine turning over vigorously, yet it acts as if it’s completely out of fuel. This situation often accompanies a U0109 diagnostic trouble code, indicating a “Lost Communication with Fuel Pump Control Module.” However, before immediately suspecting the fuel pump, it’s crucial to consider a broader range of potential electrical and fuel delivery system problems that could be affecting your 2016 SS Camaro.
The fuel delivery system in your 2016 SS Camaro is more complex than in older vehicles, typically incorporating two fuel pumps. First, a low-pressure pump resides within the fuel tank, responsible for initially drawing fuel. Second, a high-pressure pump is usually located under the intake manifold, boosting fuel pressure for direct injection into the engine. Pinpointing which pump or related component is causing the issue requires a systematic approach to diagnosis.
A primary step in diagnosing a no-start condition in your 2016 SS Camaro is to check the fuel pressure. Locate the fuel line behind the high-pressure fuel pump and use a fuel pressure gauge to measure the pressure. If fuel pressure is present, it might suggest the low-pressure pump is functioning, and the problem could lie with the high-pressure pump or downstream components. Conversely, a lack of fuel pressure would point towards a problem originating at the in-tank pump or somewhere upstream in the fuel delivery line. Unfortunately, specific procedures for checking fuel pressure on this model require consulting the service manual for your 2016 SS Camaro, as access points and methods can vary.
The “lost communication” error, U0109, is a critical clue. This code doesn’t definitively mean the fuel pump itself is faulty. Instead, it indicates that the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) has lost its ability to communicate with the fuel pump control module. This loss of communication can stem from two primary causes: either the signal to activate the fuel pump is not being correctly sent by the PCM due to wiring issues, or the fuel pump control module or even the pump itself is indeed faulty and unable to respond, leading to the communication error. Electrical faults, such as wiring harness damage, loose connections, or even a failing relay, can disrupt the necessary signals.
Considering the vehicle’s history is also important. If, like some 2016 SS Camaro owners, you’ve previously dealt with heat soak issues affecting components like the starter, solenoid, or battery cables, this history becomes relevant. Heat soak can degrade wiring and connections over time. While starter and battery cable issues might seem unrelated, they highlight potential vulnerabilities in the electrical system. Specifically, inspecting the wiring harness to and from the starter area is advisable. Past heat exposure could have damaged wires, leading to intermittent or complete failures in circuits that are now affecting the fuel pump or its control module. A wire that has become too close to the exhaust manifold due to clip failure or improper routing after previous repairs could be partially melted or shorted, disrupting the fuel delivery signal.
In conclusion, if your 2016 SS Camaro cranks but fails to start, especially with a U0109 code present, the fuel delivery system is the prime suspect. The issue could range from a simple electrical signal interruption due to damaged wiring, to a failing fuel pump (either low or high pressure), or a malfunctioning fuel pump control module. Systematic diagnostics, starting with fuel pressure checks and thorough inspection of the wiring harness, particularly around areas prone to heat exposure, are essential to accurately diagnose and repair your 2016 SS Camaro’s no-start condition. Consulting a qualified mechanic experienced with late-model Camaros is highly recommended for accurate diagnosis and repair.
