1988 Chrysler Le Baron Fuel Pump?

1988 CHRYSLER LE BARON

50,166 MILES • 4 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC

CETILLMAN2

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I have a 1988 Chrysler LeBaron. It is a 4 cylinder, 2.5. The car drove wonderful. The gas gauge just quit working the other day and a couple days after that the car stopped all together. Was driving then nothing, now it won't start at all. First I thought electrical now I am leaning toward fuel pump. Any thoughts?

Jul 7, 2010 at 11:23 AM

CARADIODOC

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
34,309 POSTS

Hi cetillman2. Welcome to the forum. First, listen for the hum of the pump for the first one second after turning on the ignition switch. If you don't hear it, listen by the tank or gas cap while a helper turns on the switch. If you don't hear it running for one second, bang on the bottom of the tank and listen again. If it starts up during engine cranking, the engine will start and the pump will keep running. They rarely stop running once they've started. Intermittent failure to start up is due to worn brushes in the pump motor but that is usually associated with a lot higher mileage.

Next, check for spark. If it is missing too, the fuel pump will not run during engine cranking. Suspect the Hall Effect pickup assembly under the rotor in the distributor. These cause a lot of no-start and stalling when hot problems. If you do have spark while cranking the engine, the Hall Effect sensor is working.

caradiodoc

Jul 7, 2010 at 11:52 AM

CARADIODOC

CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
34,309 POSTS

I'll be out of town from Wednesday through Sunday night at the nation's second largest old car show swap meet at Iola, WI. Will check replies as soon as I get home.

caradiodoc

Jul 7, 2010 at 11:53 AM

Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.