Engine Won't Start - Fuel Pump and Fuel Relay Clicking, not Humming
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Engine Won't Start - Fuel Pump and Fuel Relay Clicking, not Humming
The title says almost all but here's the whole story.
I went to start the engine and it wouldn't start yet it was turning over very fast as the battery is great. I checked the fuel gauge and it was at or slightly below empty. I immediately suspected a problem with the gauge. However since it been some time since I put fuel in the car I put in 5 gallons and tried it again. Still no fuel registering on gauge and it wouldn't start after many attempts. This morning I turned the ignition to ON (position 2) and OFF several times, then tested the Schrader valve on the passenger side fuel rail. It had but a little bit of pressure, maybe 1-3 pounds, and squirted fuel out about 1/2 inch. Then I put the ignition switch ON again and left it on, then checked the Schrader valve. This time there was a very slight increase in pressure but nothing to write home about. Maybe 1 inch squirt at best. The fuel pump relay and the fuel pump are clicking whereas I think the fuel pump should be making more of a hum or whine like my Chevy Tahoe does. Ideas anyone? I suspect it's a bad pump (191,000 miles) and/or relay. Thank you.
I went to start the engine and it wouldn't start yet it was turning over very fast as the battery is great. I checked the fuel gauge and it was at or slightly below empty. I immediately suspected a problem with the gauge. However since it been some time since I put fuel in the car I put in 5 gallons and tried it again. Still no fuel registering on gauge and it wouldn't start after many attempts. This morning I turned the ignition to ON (position 2) and OFF several times, then tested the Schrader valve on the passenger side fuel rail. It had but a little bit of pressure, maybe 1-3 pounds, and squirted fuel out about 1/2 inch. Then I put the ignition switch ON again and left it on, then checked the Schrader valve. This time there was a very slight increase in pressure but nothing to write home about. Maybe 1 inch squirt at best. The fuel pump relay and the fuel pump are clicking whereas I think the fuel pump should be making more of a hum or whine like my Chevy Tahoe does. Ideas anyone? I suspect it's a bad pump (191,000 miles) and/or relay. Thank you.
Thread Starter
|
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
Upon further review, it's the Engine Relay (the square one) that's cycling on and off, not the fuel pump relay. I swapped the fuel pump relay with the fog lamp relay, no change. I swapped the Engine Relay with another similar one (don't remember which one, same result). Still no fuel showing on gauge.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 97
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I would say it's time to drop the tank and replace the pump.
Mine just died 2 weeks ago.
It's a 99 and has lived it's entire life in Michigan and that lock ring was a b***h to remove.
Rusted like it's life depended on it!
So anyway it's running so much better now that it makes me wonder how long the pump was actually failing before it quit.
Almost 218,000 miles and still running strong!
The part ran me about $230.00 at Advance Auto so be prepared.
And don't forget the penetrating oil if you live in an area like mine.
Mine just died 2 weeks ago.
It's a 99 and has lived it's entire life in Michigan and that lock ring was a b***h to remove.
Rusted like it's life depended on it!
So anyway it's running so much better now that it makes me wonder how long the pump was actually failing before it quit.
Almost 218,000 miles and still running strong!
The part ran me about $230.00 at Advance Auto so be prepared.
And don't forget the penetrating oil if you live in an area like mine.
