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2003 Grand Am (2.2L) Stalls while driving

Tiny
GBROWN62
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 PONTIAC GRAND AM
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
2003 Pontiac Grand Am SE (2.2L Eng)

The vehicle stalls during use - speed is no matter. After successive stalls, I must let the car rest before it will start again. It's as if the alternator isn't working and I'm losing power, but both that and the battery test well.

Adding to concern, the fuel pump is only giving me 30lbs of pressure at fuel rail, which is starting the vehicle but not maintaining functioning. However, many others in internet-world have had the same problem, replaced the fuel pump ($260+labor) and have not fixed the problem.

ATTEMPTS:

Changed fuel filter last July; fuel pump was giving me 54 lbs pressure at fuel rail then.

Changed fuel pump relay last night - car idled for 30 minutes without fail, but it gave no increase the fuel pressure at fuel rail.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 3:54 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
The fuel pressure spec for this car is 50 to 60PSI and it MUST remain in that range at all times. You can try momentarily blocking the return to see if the pressure spikes up. If it doesn't, replace the pump and filter and check all the contacts in the plugs at the tank.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:09 PM
Tiny
GBROWN62
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Thanks, Wrenchtech.

It's my understanding that the fuel pump, if not functioning, will simply not work. The fact that I'm getting partial pressure would suggest it's something else besides the pump, wouldn't it.

Obviously, I can check for blockages in the filter, but would you have any other suggestions. Anything electrical being the culprit?
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
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No, I have no other suggestions. Proceed whatever way you think you should.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:27 PM
Tiny
GBROWN62
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I'm not sure which way to proceed. That's why I posted - thanks, anyway.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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I told you what you needed to do. If you think I'm wrong I can just help someone else.
This is pretty clear. If the pump is dead headed and is receiving 12v and still doesn't produce over 60PSI, the pump has a problem.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:44 PM
Tiny
GBROWN62
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Who said I thought you were wrong? I'm sure the 5,923 answers you've provided others have been helpful, but don't read into tone on a message board. I'm the rookie here. If I say something wrong, let me know. I was just saying what I thought - hoping you'd correct me if I was wrong.

Is there a way to check the voltage which the pump is receiving without having to drop the tank and access the pump itself?
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:48 PM
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
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Sure, just tap into the gray wire at the harness going into the tank with a voltmeter. It only powers for 2 seconds when the key is first turned on and again when the computer sees a tach signal from cranking.
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Wednesday, May 18th, 2011 AT 5:56 PM

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