Answer: Initially, the airbag light should not stop the fuel pump from working. We would first check the fuel pump relay then check to see if the new fuel pump is faulty. Also, be aware that some Chevy trucks around 1997 had bad ignition switches.

Question: 1987 Ford Mustang 5.0 mileage: -. I was driving my car and it started to cut out here and there. It would stall out sometimes or just not start other times; I could here that the fuel pump was not on when the car was dying or not starting. It finally died and had to be towed home. After I got home the car started right up. Then it was dead again later on that night. I dropped the tank and changed the connection where the wires plug to the fuel pump on the cap because they were in pretty bad shape. After that, the car started right up and drove around for a while and it ran great. Got home went to go back out and it was dead again so I did not fix anything there. It seemed to me that my fuel pump was on its way out so I changed it. That did nothing. I tested the old pump and both are working fine. So, I changed the fuel pump relay under the seat and that was not it either. I tested the wires with a meter, I had the car hooked up with jumper cables and I was getting 10.8 to 11 volts at the cap of the tank. I was also getting the same out of the relay. I am getting 13.5 volts from the battery when hooked up to the jumper cables, and I was getting 13.5 out of the inertia switch in the trunk, the power was going through the switch so I think it is fine. What else could be the problem? The 11 volts at the tank would not even light a test lamp (I FIGURED IT SHOULD AT LEAST LIGHT THAT) but no. I am having no luck and am not sure what to do. I tried grounding the ground wire coming out of the pump to the frame and that did nothing so I assume the ground is ok. Sorry for the long explanation.

Answer: You will need a wiring diagram to help you trace the power wire so you can locate the voltage drop that is occurring on your fuel pump. A Mitchell, Chilton or Haynes auto repair manual or a manual from the dealer will have diagrams showing what you are looking for. Click here to find out more



Question: 1987 Pontiac Sunbird 2.0 liter mileage: 110,000. Problem occurred a few months back when car just died on the road we had to get it towed to the house. 3-4 months later, we decided to work on it. We replaced head gasket, manifold intake gasket, plugs and new wires, pickup coil. Now after the battery is fully charged when we try to start it, it takes around 5 minutes to start. After it is started when you press the gas pedal it makes some noise like bup, bup then tries to catch up and dies. You can start it again but as soon as you give some gas it dies, then you cannot start it you have to let it stay for some time then put some starting fluid in the intake and start again and then the whole cycle repeats again. We are thinking of replacing the oxygen sensor, because the computer is not showing any codes. Will replacing the oxygen sensor solve our problem? If not what should we do?

Answer: The oxygen sensor is not your problem. First, check the timing belt or chain to make sure it is installed properly. Check compression and fuel pump pressure. Also, check the ignition timing.



Question: 1997 Chevrolet Cavalier mileage: 45,000. My 1997 Cavalier does not start during cold weather (60 or below). I've already flushed the radiator fluid and replaced it as per manufacturer's specs. What can it be and why does it only happen during cold weather? The car runs and starts fine during warm temperatures.

Answer: Scan the computer for fault codes first. If no fault codes are present, try replacing the coolant temperature sensor for the computer.



Question: 1990 Dodge Caravan 3.3L mileage: 135,000. I sent a question yesterday saying I had replaced the coolant sensor and now there is no spark. Well I have done a more thorough investigation. The sensor was not the problem, there appears to be a break in one of the wires from the sensor to the computer. I also checked the voltage at the coil pack. It reads about 11.5V then drops to zero when I crank the engine. My Chilton, repair manual says to look in section 5 about distributor pickup diagnostics when this happens, but Chapter 5 is all about fuel. So, I don't know what the problem can be.

Answer: Check the control module by the battery, as it may be faulty. Also, check the ignition switch.



Question: 1990 Dodge Dynasty. Starts sometimes and sometimes it won't. Talked to others with the same or similar problem. Was told it is ECM. But, he still had the problem of it not starting a couple of weeks later. Then someone told him about a safety switch in the ignition that he had replaced and the problem was solved. My question is, does the 90 dynasty have this computer type safety switch in the ignition system to protect the car parts from burning up? And, have you ever come across this problem before with other Dynastys. Thank you I am trying to find a direction to go.

Answer: We do not know of any safety switch that you mentioned in your question. Two things to check would be the fuel pump and the crank angle sensor.



Question: 95 Chevy Geo Metro 1.0. I just recently replaced the head gasket on my geo, I flushed the system and filled the cooling system with 50/50 antifreeze. That night I was driving the car and got about 2 blocks from home and the car died. The engine turns over but there is now no spark going to the distributor. I am at a loss as to where to check now. I have checked all fuses but not sure of any possible in-line fuses under the hood.

Answer: Check the timing belt, as it may not have been properly tightened when the head gasket was replaced.



Question: 1993 Isuzu Rodeo 3.2 mileage: 131,000. While driving today the fuel pump fuse blew. I replaced it and went on my way. Got in later and after a few seconds of running the engine quit. This time there was no bad fuse and the relay checks. No trigger voltage to fuel pump relay, though. Even supplying current to fuel pump with jumper, no start. Trigger comes directly from ECM. ECM fuse and relay are fine. Bad ECM? Auto cut off for wrecks. Help....

Answer: Check your fuel pump as it may be failing and be the cause of the initial fuse burn out.



Question: 1988 Ford/ Escort GT 1.9 mileage: 127,000.  My car has been sitting in a repair shop for a year now and the mechanic can not figure out what is wrong.  The fuel injectors were messing up and he replaced all of the injectors and the computer and still there are 2 injectors that fail to ground and the car won't run.  Any suggestions?

Answer: Check the computer output that operators the injectors.  Also, check the wiring loam that runs from the injectors to the computer for damage and continuity.



Question: 1992 Jeep wrangler 4.0 mileage: 123,000.  My jeep wrangler (92) was idling then shut down, it will not start. The engine turns over but will not catch.  I am guessing it could be the idle air sensor.

Answer: We are guessing a crank angle sensor.



Question: 1989 Chevrolet Astro van 4.3L mileage: 158,000.  I have replaced the fuel pump, coil, and module p/u in the distributor.  I have power to the coil and to the back of the distributor to the module, but still no spark from the coil wire to the distributor, HELP.  Where to go next.  It is not showing any code last time I check the ECM.

Answer: Check the wiring for damage and check pin to pin with a continuity meter to see if you have a bad connection somewhere in the harness.



Question: 1990 Chevrolet Beretta GTZ 2.3 DOHC mileage: 62,000.  Car is failing to start. It started a couple of minutes before, and it started fine.  I went to start it again and it didn't start.  It was turning so it wasn't a starter problem.  It sounds like it's firing, but just barely, and not enough for it to run.  We checked for spark there was spark.  We checked airflow, I'm getting that.  We changed the fuel filter because gas wasn't squirting out of the Schrader valve when opened, it was just kinda dribbling.  Now none comes out at all.  The flow arrow is facing the right direction.  We were told check for fuel pump starting whine.  We didn't hear any.   So it may be the relay switch or the fuel pump its self.  Do fuel pumps just go or do they kinda go bad over time?  I was driving around all day with no problems.  I figured it might just be the relay because it just "died.”  I do not on the other hand know where either of the location for my relay or my fuel pump.  Help I need help please!

Answer: Sounds like you have a faulty fuel pump which is located in the gasoline tank.

Question: 1995 Dodge Neon 2.0L mileage: 56K.  Hello Bob and Ken, My daughter's Neon Problem.  The engine cranks over but will not start.  I have checked the error code and it says 42, (fuel pump or auto shutoff solenoid) and I cannot hear the fuel pump whine.  The fuse and solenoids test good so I replaced the fuel pump, but still have the same result.  So, being a backyard mechanic, I cheated the relays and was able to energize the pump, gas is present at the injectors with no leaks in the lines.   I thought it might then, be a timing belt problem.  Everything lines up and I've even taken the plugs out and put a little gas in the cylinders.  Turned it over and it starts, so I figure timing and spark are there.  I guess that leaves me with an injector or power module problem.  **An Important note, My Daughter said she was bumped from behind when she stopped for a traffic light, nothing serious.  But since then, it became harder to start each day!  I know there's an emergency shutoff sensor, but I thought it would shut fuel completely off not work in between.  Any Ideas or Thoughts would be welcomed; I've gone way beyond my capabilities.  Thanks, Steve 

Answer: We do not know of an emergency fuel shut-off sensor your car.   What you should do is scan the PCM for fault codes, which should pinpoint your malfunctioning component.



Question: 1988 Chevy S-10 2.5L 4 cyl mileage: 207,289.  My truck will crank but fails to start. I can no longer hear the humming of the fuel pump.  It is my guess that this has gone bad.  However, I was told that there was a fuse in the engine compartment that I could check to see if it might be blown.  I cannot find any fuse. Maybe I am not looking in the right spot.  I am holding out hope that it could possible be this simple since I don't see much sense in dumping a lot of money into this truck. Where is this fuse located.

Answer: There is no fuse that we know of for the fuel pump.  Check for 12-volts to the pump.  If there is 12-volts and the pump does not run, it should be replaced.



Question: 1991 Chevrolet Camaro Z28 5.7l mileage: 113,000.  After I have driven the car for about 30 minutes, I shut it off and it will not re-start for about an hour.   I have taken it to 2 different GM dealers, and have spent close to $3,500 replacing the fuel injectors, catalytic converters, the entire ECM, and several other components...it still does this on occasions...please help!

Answer: If the fuel pump has not been changed, this would be our first guess. Secondly, you may have a faulty PCM (power control module) power relay.



Question: 1993 Ford Taurus 3.8 mileage: 85,000.  The Taurus has a warm re-start problem.  It typically occurs in warm weather.  After the car has been run for a while and shut off, attempts to start it again within 5-20 minutes after shut-off has problems.  (Inside 5m or past 20m starts fine.)  Stumbling, stalls, etc. force one to feather the throttle to keep it going.  Sounded like TSB for fuel pump internal vacuum lock, but pump, EGR, and O2 sensor did not help.  Any thoughts before I keep shot gunning with injector cleaning or ignition module?

Answer: We do not think your problem is the ignition module.  Try running the engine and shutting it off to duplicate your no start situation.  Then, check the fuel injectors for a minor leak that would be flooding the engine.  If you find a leak, the cure is to replace the injectors.



Question: 1994 Ford Probe GT V-6 mileage: 60,000.  My fuel cut-out light is on. No it will not start.  I have lost my manual.  I have checked the fuses that I think would affect the fuel pump.  I have also looked in the truck for the reset button for the electric pump.  What I think to be the reset button in the trunk is sitting in the driver's side rear panel covered with a rubber boot.  I pushed what looks like a reset button with no results.  What am I missing?  Help!  Your help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer: Check the fuel pump relay, as this may be causing your no start problem.



Question: 1997 CHEVY K1500 5.7 mileage: 72,000.  A couple of weeks ago the truck had problems starting, then died in flight. Now the truck has no spark, no MIL and no data when scanning did find a wiring harness rubbing on the harmonic balancer and a broken ground wire at the fuel pump.  (REPAIRED)  The customer did that when replacing his own pump, sock and relay.  I’m thinking computer but I don't have the information to test the VCM or DLC.      

Answer: Check the ignition switch your problem may be a bad contact inside the switch.