1993 Dodge Spirit Fuel Pump

FLIGHTMEDIC

MEMBER
1993 DODGE SPIRIT
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
102,000 MILES

This car has ben in a garage for 5 years and fuel is OLD I cannot get the fuel puel to work, , at least I do not hear it I replaced the fuel filter and fuel ran from the hose smelled real bad I thought the pump might be stuck. I'm vision impaired and I do not think I can change the pump.

I have put about 7 gallons of fuel in the tank and some Lucas fuel line cleaner turns over fine has spark if I use starter fluid it fires. How do it test the pump and I was told there are not only fuses under the dast but ubder the hood also?

Please I need advise

1 Reply

ROB2008

MECHANIC
258 POSTS

The fuel pump relay should be located "Under hood, driver side, front side of shock tower, mounted in fenderwell relay block"

To test the pump I would use a fuel pressure gauge. Low fuel pressure can cause hard starting, a rough idle, misfiring, hesitation and stalling. No fuel pressure will prevent the engine from starting, or will cause the engine to quit running if the fuel pump fails while driving.

Fuel Pressure Test
With the key on, engine off (or with the fuel pump energized), fuel pressure should come up quickly and hold steady at a fixed value. Compare the pressure reading to specifications. If you get no pressure reading, check for voltage at the pump. If there is voltage but the pump is not running, you have found the problem: a bad fuel pump.

If you do get a pressure reading but the reading is lower than normal, the cause may be a weak pump, a blockage in the fuel line, filter or tank inlet sock, or a faulty pressure regulator. Also, low voltage at the pump may prevent it from spinning fast enough to build up normal pressure. Check the voltage at the pump. If OK, check the lines for obstructions and the operation of the fuel pressure regulator before you condemn the pump.

-Rob