When my car died on the freeway, I noticed i couldn't hear the fuel pump pressurising when i turned the power on. So i brought it to a shop and they did a diagnostic. Sure enough Fuel Pump. But they told me there is power running to it, but the pump isn't working. They wanted $600. I bought the parts through my step dad because he gets cost -10%. I payed 150 for the parts and then 200 for them to do the labor. After they put the new filter and fuel pump in the car started right up. It was driving fine... 1 mile down the road, same thing happens. And when i turned the power on, i couldn't hear the pump pressurise. HOW CAN A PUMP GO BAD IN 1 MILE? There must be something causing the pump go bad or something... Does anyone have and ideas?

THANK YOU SO MUCH!

 

95 or early 96 Neon? If the fuel filter is clogged, it'll tear up the fuel pump in no time. Supposed to be changed every 35k for the cars with the aluminum tanks. The mid-96 and up Neons have a plastic tank and a smaller filter attached to the regulator that never needs changing. Double/triple check the wiring going to the pump, particularly the ground... Those tend to get frayed/broken more often than having a pump go bad...

You can get the Walbro 255 lph pump from Howell or Modern for $110 or so. Same manufacturer as the stock pump, higher capacity (if you ever need it), less money... $200 for install is insane. You can drain the tank (directly from the fuel pump, there's a rubber/silicone nipple cover) and change out the pump yourself pretty easily. On the models with the aluminum tank, you don't even need to drop the tank to get the pump out - I've done it (not my car, which still has the original pump after 240k miles...).

Is the car running OK otherwise? No Check Engine Light or anything? Faulty regulator could also be a possibility, but it would have to be really bad, and I'm positive you'd get a code for running lean...

Best of luck!