VZ Acclaim not starting, fuel gauge error showing and left indicator on

[Troy711]

Hey guys,

My workmate is having an issue with his Acclaim. It won't start. You turn the key and it does nothing and the left indicator stay on until you lock the car (sometimes longer). It has also suddenly started throwing up a fuel gauge error (says its absolutely empty and to see dealer). We have pulled the battery for 10 minutes and it did nothing.

I was thinking BCM but can't tell for sure. Our next option is a jerry can and a lighter.

Cheers guys.

[Troy711]

All good, pulled the BCM fuse and she started

[morphix]

Not a good sign.

Sounds like you could have 2 problems, the sticky indicator being a stuffed relay in the BCM (which i fixed myself, de-solder relay out, re-solder new relay in) much cheaper than Holden to replace as new, $300.

The Fuel Gauge Error, it could be a number of thing, such as the sender unit being stuffed, but when i had that error message (along with a few others about Check Powertrain, etc) it was my ECU stuffed.

When my ECU was stuffed, it got to the point it locked me out of my car, as the BCM would no longer talk with the ECU any my key would be useless (except for manually unlocking it).

Get NRMA out and get them to plug the OBD2 diagnostics into the car and check, they could indicate the possible problem, mine came up with 'lost sync with ECU... bla bla bla' over and over, cause my ECU was stuffed.

[richardpalinkas]

same, having this problem as we speak as well. if it gets stuck again, short the starter relay, everything comes back to normal

[Troy711]

Cheers for the replies. It happened again and all we did was pull and replace the BCM fuse and it started no dramas. I'll let my mate know te possible causes in the morning when I see him next.

[CapriciousWL]

Go with the first option - just make sure the can is not empty.

Resetting does not fix - only makes the symptom vanish. Get it checked to determine if it needs some "attention".

[morphix]

Doing the starter relay will work, but you could still receive fuel guage errors (which may result in the ECU switching the car off, which i had) eg. used starter relay trick, started reversing out of driveway, dash flashed back up with fuel guarge error and car died.

My first port of call would be to get diagnostics ran on the car, such as via NRMA, this will atleast advise you if its a ECU/BCM failure, BCM is easily $300+ to replace new, ECU $1000+ (mine was $1175 @ Pacific Holden Gateshead, NSW)

[henrytad]

hey guys, im having this problem now i disconnect the battery for 10 minutes and plug it in and then it starts working again. i ran diagnostics but i dont get any error messages coming up... what was the restult with u guys? i need desperate help

[richardpalinkas]

For me was a new ecu lol. I managed to plot around for a few months by shorting the starter relay, letting it idle for a few seconds, turn the car off and then starting it normally

[morphix]

As richardpalinks has stated, sounds like the ECU, and i have had the exact same issues and had to get my ECU replaced.

It started off as once off issues and then got really bad just before it stopped working entirely (despite shorting the starter relay).

[Customcreations]

This is another quirk I have come across.
On VN-VS but is bound to be the same issue for every cars wire loom. At the fire wall on the main engine loom about 30 CM along from the entry through the wall to the computer there is 2 wires joining to 1. Or should I say 1 wire CRIMPED to another. I emphasize the word CRIMPED as it gets moisture build up due to very lousy insulating (a little bit of electical tape). That connection is the feed to the throttle body and possibly the oxygen sensor. It gets corroded like an ugly un-maintained battery terminal. I had issues with a TRITON/VN buick conversion running rough at times or when driving hard or on rough roads (which are everywhere in Cessnock) even cutting out badly then running OK again.
I only found it by chance when I was working near the area and had to move the lume while I had the car running and the car cut out. That shotty crimped wire needs to be soldered and shrink sealed. Sorry if this is a hijack on this thread but since its about computers and faults I figured you might like to know about this easy fix. I'm sure you dont have this issue but there is going to be many people suffering from this problem if not already it wont be too long.

[henrytad]

how much do ECU cost, and how much would it cost to get it installed and stuff as well?

[morphix]

how much do ECU cost, and how much would it cost to get it installed and stuff as well?

Mine cost me $1050 all up from Pacific Holden Gateshead, Newcastle.

Receipt says $210.29 labour, $744.25 for the ECU, $95.45 tax.

GM12600940

This is for a VZ SV6 2004 Model.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

[richardpalinkas]

Mine cost 725 for the ecu, plus 190 to install.