1990 Chrysler Le Baron major starting issue

Tiny
NOTOP90
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 CHRYSLER LE BARON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
I've driven my car every day and it's been starting just fine with no problems or hesitations. That is until a couple of days ago. Now all of a sudden I can't even get it to turn over. I've tried a newly charged battery, and tried some extra strength starting fluid; the starting fluid got it started and it ran for about 15 seconds or so then it conked out and would not restart at all. At this point, as you can probably imagine; I've run out of ideas on what to try from here.
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Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 AT 9:53 AM

9 Replies

Tiny
EDI3000
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  • 34 POSTS
Make sure you have gas in the car. Next listen for the fuel pump when you turn on the key. Put a little gas down the throttle body, if it starts you have a fuel delivery problem. Fuse, relay or pump maybe.
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Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 AT 1:03 PM
Tiny
NOTOP90
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Not to sound like too much of an idiot, but when it comes to things like this I'll be the 1st to admit that I'm the reason they wrote those for dummies books. First of all what kind of a sound am I trying to hear on whether the fuel pump is working or not when I turn on the key. Also, even though I do know what the relay looks like, I do NOT know where it's located under the hood. And as far as checking the fuse(s), I don't see a place for it listed in the fuse box; and as far as I know there's only one fuse box.
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Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 AT 5:04 PM
Tiny
EDI3000
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  • 34 POSTS
In reply to your problem, have someone listen at the fuel filler, as you turn on the ignition. You should hear a low whining noise.( The fuel pump is in the tank.) If the car ran, with the starting fluid for a few seconds, then we assume it's a fuel problem. The fuel tank has to be dropped to replace the fuel pump. You need to take it to a repair shop, for diagnosis of the pump, as this is not a job for d.I.Y. Hope this helps.
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Sunday, February 3rd, 2008 AT 8:04 PM
Tiny
NOTOP90
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[is there any way of being able to identify exactly which relay under the hood is the fuel pump relay? I know where they're located, I'm just not sure which one it is; I REALLY don't want to start unplugging things to find the right one for the fuel pump. Not to mention, doing a " trial & error " on things like that probably isn't such a good idea at this point. Please help soon, as the car has been sitting and unable to start for about a week already.
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Friday, February 8th, 2008 AT 3:46 PM
Tiny
EDI3000
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  • 34 POSTS
The relays are located under the hood left (drivers) inner fender. The fuel pump relay (aka auto shut down relay) is the one most forward. The wiring colours are:
Ter #30 red/white battery power 12v via fuseable link
Ter #87 dark green/blk supplies power to inj ig coil and FP.
Ter #86 dark blue power with key on.
Ter #85 dark blue/yellow ground by computer

If you connect #30 red/white to #87 darkgreen/blk you will power up the fuel pump without having the key on. Check for fuel delivery. I strongly suspect an inoperative fuel pump (in tank). Please let me know.
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Friday, February 8th, 2008 AT 6:25 PM
Tiny
NOTOP90
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Well. As much as I regret to give such bad and unfortunate news at this point. I tried the test that you suggested, and no fuel sprayed out of the injector at all. Soooo.I guess that would mean that I do in fact have a faulty fuel pump. And I'm assuming it's NOT something I can do myself, I've already called a couple of garages and the average price for this kind of repair runs about 300 -- 500 bucks. OUCH! Well, any other ideas of what else can be done. Please let me know and THANK YOU !
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Sunday, February 10th, 2008 AT 8:34 AM
Tiny
EDI3000
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Well sir, the only way to fix something properly, is to fix it properly. That is the only way I work. If you would like to bring it to my shop, I would be more than happy to oblige you. Come to BELIZE and ask for Ken @ Easy Does It. Hope I have been of service.
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Sunday, February 10th, 2008 AT 4:37 PM
Tiny
NOTOP90
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  • 8 POSTS
Sir, I didn't mean anything by it when I was talking about the cost of fixing the problem. It just sounds like a major pain in the rear to have to go thru, not to mention the cost. Anyway.I might take you up on your offer. However, just a couple things; first and foremost, would you be able to let me make monthly payments on the bill as my only income is a disability check once a month, and secondly. Where are you located and how do I get a car that's not running to you in the 1st place? By the way, just an FYI, I was finally able to get the weather to be able to change the fuel filter, now the car won't even turn over; and when I turn the key the clock display on the radio goes out but there's no life at all from the engine. I'm not even able to do the relay test procedure you told me about, car won't turn over that way either.
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 7:33 AM
Tiny
EDI3000
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Dear notop90 I think we have reached the end of the road (so to speak) trying to diagnose you car prob. I live in Belize (central America) a little far to tow your car. I suggest you call the nearest repair shop and tell them of your plight, you can probably work something out with them. At least now you have a good idea of the problem, the cost of repair and the work involved. Also sounds like you have a dead battery. Good luck. EDI 3000
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Tuesday, February 19th, 2008 AT 1:25 PM

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