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

Vehicle Fuel Pumps, Fuel Pump Relay and Gas Tanks Questions

Answer:   It appears that the fuel pump relay is hanging up. Replace the fuel pump relay with new to repair problem.

Question: 2004 Volvo XC90 mileage: 59,000. I had the fuel pump replaced in December (there is only one in this model, inside the fuel tank). Last weekend the car failed some miles from home; the local mechanic told me it was the fuel pump and replaced it. I made it almost home and the car failed again. Had it towed in to the guy who did the work in December, and he called to tell me it's the FUEL PUMP!! I'm at my wit's end!! How can this be??

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: 2001 Chevrolet 1500 mileage: 110,000.  My fuel pump is not working. The fuse is ok. I put in a new relay.  With connection at the pump disconnected and ignition on, a test lamp on the middle prong glows but it is very faint.  Could it be a partially broken wire and is there another way to test the pump before having to drop the gas tank?

Answer: The faint glow from the test light is your fuel gauge sender wire. With the fuel pump connector disconnected you must get the full 12 volts or nothing. Chances are you are getting the full twelve volts on the other wire at that connector, your fuel pump is probably bad and need replacing.

Question: 2001 BMW 325i Touring mileage: 79,000.  The car has done this about 4 times now. The last time was this morning.  It simply will not start.  It will crank and crank and crank, but never "fire".  It makes a "pooof" sound, but not a loud one.   Letting it sit for a while sometimes helps.   It seems to happen when the temperature drops.  What I've done to start it (and don't ask me why) is to remove the gas cap, then keep cranking it for about 1 minute or more with the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor.  Eventually it will start to fire and run.  Then we go for weeks with it happening.  Any help appreciated.

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

Question: 2003 Volkswagen Beetle mileage: 72,000.  Van would stall when I first started in the morning or whenever it would sit for a while.  Last Friday I was stopped at stop sign and when I went to put my foot on gas it stalled out and would not start.  It would turn over but it sounded like it was not getting gas to the engine.  Could it be a fuel pump problem?  In addition, for the last few months, I can smell gasoline.  Had a tune up at VW dealership and they said I had a small fuel leak (I had that repaired a year ago to the month) not to worry about it for now.  What could be the problem: fuel pump?

Answer: Yes, your problem sounds like the fuel pump.  In addition, replace your fuel filter to prolong the life of the new fuel pump.

Question: 2000 Dodge 1500 Ram Truck mileage: 120,225.  Hi, I saw a similar question in your FAQs but mine's a little different.   I have a Truck had it parked for a while.  Then I gave it a tune up with new plugs, wires, battery, and oil.  I got it running then blew some walnuts out of the exhaust, soon after it wouldn’t stay running now, it won’t turn over at all but will crank.  I thought the catalytic converter might be plugged so I took off the one part behind the motor, but no good, I give up.  HELP PLEASE!

Answer:   Test for fuel pump pressure.  The pump may have failed or the fuel filter plugged.

Question: 1990 Dodge Spirit 2.5L 4-cyl turbo mileage: 72,000.  My in-tank electric fuel pump is getting increasingly noisy, so I'm thinking about replacing it.  However, I have heard stories that this is a job best left to a professional garage because of the danger of draining, removing, and handling a gas tank.  I heard that empty gas tanks have exploded as a result of tiny sparks generated by the friction of tools and components on and around the tank.  Is this true?  How safe is it to tackle the job myself?  Are there any special safety precautions I should take?

Answer:   Replacing the fuel pump in the gas tank can be dangerous.  It may be best to have the work done at a qualified auto service center.

Question: 1992 Dodge Grand Caravan 3.3l mileage: 282,000.  Occasionally, the engine will just turn over but not start.  Turns over at normal speed.  Usually, after several tries, it finally starts Once, it would not start at all. Had it towed to dealer (late at night,) but next morning it started fine.  Dealer could not find anything wrong after checking it out for two days.  Dealer suggests replacing fuel pump.  Due to high cost, I'd appreciate a second opinion. Thanks.

Answer:  That would be our answer also.  It sounds like a fuel pump problem.  Replace fuel filter also.

Question: 1991 Ford/Mustang 2.3L   mileage: 106,000.  The other day my car stopped dead in the middle of the road.  The computer gives me the 542 code.  According to my repair manual, that means Fuel pump secondary circuit failure: ECM to ground motor.  Now, I have no idea what that means.  I'm trying to located the fuel pump relay switch to test it. The fuel pump, filter, and spark plugs have all passed their test.  However, the manual doesn't mention the location of the relay.  Where is the fuel pump relay located in a 91-2.3L Mustang?

Answer:  It is located under the dash by the glove box.

Question: 1982 Mercury Cougar 3.8 liter mileage: 75,000.  Will not start unless I pour gas down carburetor on cold start.  If engine is warm car will start ok till it cools back down (about 1/2 hour) then I need to prime carburetor again. Fuel filter is ok, no leaks in lines or carburetor body or mounting spacer, mounting bolts are all torqued per spec.  Would aftermarket electric fuel pump be worth trying?

Answer: Test fuel pump pressure and delivery volume.  Check for proper choke operation.  Trying an aftermarket fuel pump may not fix your problem if the stock pump is not faulty. 

Question: 1994 Dodge Shadow 258 mileage: 84,011. Hello! I am in need of some non-partial advice. When I first got my car (used in '98) the fuel pump (located in the gas tank) was making noise. SUPPOSEDLY, the dealership replaced it, but within about 4-6 months, it was making the same noise again. I've been told that the after-market pump for this car is usually rather noisy...and I've checked out how much it would be to have it replaced (around $400!), so I've been a bit reluctant to have it fixed. (The mechanic did suggest that I should replace the pump.) Recently however, it's had rather loud days...that's part of the problem, the volume varies...it sounds like a high-pitched friction whine, and can be VERY annoying. So, I guess my question is this: A) does the after-market pump make noise? and B) should I have it fixed? Thanks for your help!!!

Answer: We have found after market pumps to be equal in quality, as noise goes, to a factory pump. You did not mention if the fuel filter was also changed. If the fuel filter is partially plugged, the pump must work harder to supply fuel to the engine. This may cause extra noise from the pump. Also, have the fuel pressure regulator checked. If the regulator is faulty, it will cause the pump to be noisy.

Question (follow-up): Hello again, Sorry to bother you one more time...I just wanted to see what you said...I have changed the fuel filter and that didn't seem to change the noise. It DID stop the car from stalling, which was good. I took the car to a mechanic, and he ran a diagnostic. Would that have told him anything about the regulator? If it's ok, and the filter is ok, what should I do about the pump? Today it was rather quiet, so that false sense of security makes me wait another day. I'm just afraid that one day I'll be stuck somewhere with a dead car.

Answer: A diagnostic check of your car may not find a fuel regulator that is working but not quite "up to par." If you are concerned about the fuel pump failing and leafing you stranded, it would probably be best to change it. Being stuck on the side of the highway is not fun.

Question: I have a 1990 Volkswagen Jetta GL with 167,000 miles. I was just informed that I need a new fuel pump. Could you give me an estimate of the cost to replace the fuel pump? Thank you.

Answer: Your car has two fuel pumps. The pre-pump is located in the fuel tank. That pump costs approximately $150.00 and labor about $75.00. The main fuel pump costs approximately $260.00, labor about $50.00. If the fuel filter has not been changed recently, it should be replaced at the same time. (Above prices are based on the going rate in Southern California.)

Question:   I am trying to find the location of the fuel pump relay on an '87 Mercury Lynx Hatchback (1.9 l with central fuel injection [CFI] and passive restrain system). I have called 4 local Mercury dealerships service departments and have received comments that the relay is: back near the inertial cut-out switch; behind the glove box; in the engine compartment on the left wheel well under the master brake cylinder; in the engine compartment near the ignition module. I have not been able to find it in any of these locations. Could you guide me to this relay?? Please?? Thank you.

Answer:   It is located under the left side of the dash above the brake pedal. It is the green colored relay.

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

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