Repair Topics / Fuel Pump Problems-1 / Fuel Pump Problems-2

Vehicle Fuel Pumps, Fuel Pump Relay and Gas Tanks Questions

Answer: Remove the fuel tank and fuel pump and double check the wiring that goes to the pump. You have grounded them somewhere. Repair to recheck system.

Question: 2001 Mitsubishi Galant mileage: 89,300. I have a Mirage that died, I suspected the fuel pump and after removing the fuel tank, I tested the pump and it was good. So, I tested the wiring with a voltmeter and found it to be dead with the ignition on. I checked the fuse box and cannot find any blown fuses. I also checked the Haynes manual that I have for a wiring diagram to trace the wires but it does not show the fuel pump wires. Is there a relay or fuse that goes to the fuel pump?

Answer:  You will only have 12 volts to the pump when the engine is either cranking or running. It is not unusual for a fuel pump to test good after it has been removed from the tank due to the jarring when it is removed. However, when the fuel pump is replaced, it is likely that it failed to start. Check the relay and a fuse just to be sure.

Question: 2002 Ford Windstar, miles: 67,900. We just had the heater core replaced and all of a sudden once that was done, the van won't start. A friend seems to think the fuel pump isn't working now, as he doesn't hear anything when he turns the ignition on. We were wondering before we replace the pump is there any fuse that could have blown. If we have to replace the fuel pump any idea how much that will cost to do...Grant.

Answer:   Try resetting the fuel pump inertia switch. If there is 12 volts at the pump and there is no fuel pump pressure, then the pump has failed and need to be replaced. Sometimes repairs are not related but fail at the same time, bad luck.

Question:   2001 Hyundai Accent mileage: 80,000. The fuel pump is not working, are there other (simple) faults worth checking out before removing the fuel tank and replacing the fuel pump.

Answer: Check for 12 volts to the pump. If there is 12 volts to the pump and it is not running, then the fuel pump is faulty and needs to be replaced.

Question: 2002 Ford Mustang mileage: 64,000. We are looking at purchasing this car. While test-driving this vehicle, we noticed a rather loud whirring sound coming from the back of the car. This sound continued whether it was moving or stopped. Our first guess was the fuel pump and in fact was confirmed by the mechanic; the sales person says that Ford fuel pumps are typically loud and the fact that it is a hatchback amplifies the sound. Personally, I have driven other Ford Mustangs and have never heard the fuel pump. Is this in fact typical of Ford fuel pumps or should we be concerned about this sound? Thank you for any information you can provide.

Answer:  Some fuel pumps can be noisy for a few different reasons. 1. If the fuel filter is plugged it can make the pump noisy. 2. If the fuel pump is in the tank incorrectly to were the pump can touch metal in the tank to make noise. 3. The fuel pump is giving you signs that6 it is about to fail and needs replacing.

Question: 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 87,000. My jeep is in the shop for a failed fuel pump. The authorized Jeep dealership says that the plastic fuel tank has debris in it, due to a corroding plastic fuel tank, and this is what's causing the fuel pump to fail (2nd time in a week). The mechanic discourages a simple flush of the tank ($322) and recommends a new fuel tank ($600), while admitting that such corrosion of a plastic tank is rare. Should I take the Jeep elsewhere? He says if the new pump fails again due to trash in the tank, my failure to have a new tank installed would void the warranty on the new fuel pump ($475). Recommendations?

Answer: If the fuel pump you installed was not OEM original equipment manufacture, that is the problem. The fuel pressure it takes to run you vehicle depends on 60 psi fuel pressure constant. Inexpensive fuel pumps are that way for a reason, there are not as good and cannot hold pressure. Replace fuel pump with OEM fuel pump to repair problem.

Question: 2002 Ford Crown Victoria mileage: 75,000. For some reason my Fuel pump won't shut off when the car is off. I engage and disengage fuel pump switch in the trunk before and after every use. I changed the fuel pump relay. The fuel pump seems to work fine when it's on. Sometimes the engine wont start after I engage the pump switch. (Even if the car had been running for a while and I hand not disengaged the switch) Somehow, somewhere the pump is wired to stay on. I am a little suspicious of the key cylinder. I can pull out the Key at any point. Or, could it be the pump switch? Any Recommendations?

Answer: The fuel pump relay is probably sticking and needs to be replaced.

Question: 2003 Jeep Grand Cherokee mileage: 75,000. My jeep would not stay running. It would start but not stay running. It has been broken down for 7 weeks and has had 5 fuel pumps put in, all from Pep---'s. It has been at my garage for three weeks and four weeks before that at another garage. The fuel pumps all go out within minutes to a couple of days after being put in. The garage seems to be at a loss. They have checked out electrical problems. What could be the problem?

Answer: If the fuel pump you installed was not OEM original equipment manufacture, that is the problem. The fuel pressure it takes to run you vehicle depends on 60 psi fuel pressure constant. Inexpensive fuel pumps are that way for a reason, there are not as good and cannot hold pressure. Replace fuel pump with OEM fuel pump to repair problem.

Question: 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe mileage: 61,550. We bought this vehicle new with 88 miles on it. It is a 4-wheel drive, four door, with the towing package. Every 20 to 30,000 miles we have to replace the fuel pump. We also had the fuel injectors changed once. We have followed up with the maintenance with GM. We also had the gas filter changed 4 times. We are still facing the same problem. Please help us.

Answer:   Sounds like you have contamination in your gas tank that is shortening the life of your fuel pump. Remove fuel tank to flush as needed. Reassemble to recheck.

Question: 2001 Honda Insight mileage: 110,000. I am having a problem with the fuel system. My fuel pump is making a high pitch squeal almost constantly. I replaced the filter, and the pump, but the noise persists. This is the third pump I’ve tried. The noise is coupled with a loss of power in 2nd and 3rd gear. Might this be a problem with the fuel injectors?

Answer: It sounds like your fuel pump needs replacing. Remove fuel tank to replace fuel pump with new to repair problem.

Question: 2002 Buick Park Avenue mileage: 100,000. My fuel pump will not operate. Do you know where the emergency shut-off switch is located?

Answer: You car does not have an emergency shut-off switch for the fuel pump. Your problem may be a faulty fuel pump relay or a failed fuel pump.

Question: 2000 Chevrolet 1500 4x4P mileage: 105,000. Fuel pump will not run. Voltage check at pump indicates 12 volts when ignition is first turned on, but then quickly drops to 0 volts. Fuel pump relay and fuse have been changed. Any suggestions?

Answer:   From what you have described, it sounds like you have a bad fuel pump. Replace fuel pump with new to repair problem.

Question: 2001 Ford Explorer mileage: 130,000. I've noticed the fuel pump running a little after I shut the engine off but lately it won't go off. A neighbor rang my doorbell last night and told me of the noise. I had to pull the fuel pump fuse in order to make it stop. Today I've been opening the hood at every place I go to pull the fuse. About one in ten times the pump will go off on its own. What's up? I know you guys have seen this before, haven't you?

Answer: Try replacing the fuel pump relay, recheck system.

Question: 2004 Mazda 6i Hatchback, miles: 67,800 I need to replace my fuel pump but I can't find it. Could you tell me where it is?

Answer: In the fuel tank. Remove tank to replace fuel pump with new. Reassemble to recheck system.

Question: 2005 Volkswagen Jetta mileage: 36,000. The fuel pump is making erratic noises is it going bad? I know it is common to make noise but this noise is changing, it gets louder and quieter consistently

Answer:  Some fuel pumps can be noisy for a few different reasons. 1. If the fuel filter is plugged it can make the pump noisy. 2. If the fuel pump is in the tank incorrectly to were the pump can touch metal in the tank to make noise. 3. The fuel pump is giving you signs that6 it is about to fail and needs replacing.

Question: 2003 Chevrolet Astro mileage: 79,000. Recently has developed a "cold start" problem. Starter turns engine but does not fire until battery is almost dead. Only a problem when engine has not run for a few hours. Quite possibly temperature-related, as cold mornings seem to be worst. Had local shop do complete tune-up, including plugs, wires, and fuel injector cleaner. No help. They then replaced a very expensive "main" component of the fuel injection system. Still no good. Shop mechanics not know what to try next. Any ideas? Thanks.

Answer: Your stalling problem may be cause by the fuel pump. Replacing the fuel pump and the fuel filter should fix your problem..

Repair Topics / Fuel Pump Problems-1 / Fuel Pump Problems-2

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