Will not start, no fuel pressure at the fuel filter

Tiny
KIMCC123
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET TRAILBLAZER
  • 4.2L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 175,284 MILES
I drove to my grandkids house, when I went to leave it didn't want to go in reverse and shut off. I checked #41 relay, good power, checked #10 & #28 fuses, good. No fuel pressure at fuel filter. I changed the pump 5 times and the filter once. This pump will run great with the tank on the ground. When I put the tank up and connect lines there's 5 lbs only of pressure, I can't hear the pump at all and it won't start. There's fuel in the filter. I cannot find a loose, corroded or exposed wire. It will start only when I spray cleaner in the front but shuts off right away. I did have problems with the exhaust but was fixed. What do I do next? I have been having issues with the security light coming on. I had a hard time getting it to turn off so I could start it. This was before the fuel pump. Can I reset the security system to see if that works without putting in a new ignition? Then make sure I have enough gas in the tank. I checked fuses and none are blown but prongs were dirty so I cleaned them up so they get a good connection, #10 PCM B, #16 TBC Ignition 1, #22 ignition E, #25 ASLCS, #28 PCM module 1, #31 TBC, #34 ignition A, #36 ignition B, #41 fuel pump, #57 powertrain. I'm not having any luck. It's been down for a week and driving me crazy
Wednesday, June 23rd, 2021 AT 7:28 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,833 POSTS
When you repaceled the pump was it an AC delco unit? if not this can be the problem also we need to change out the fuel pump relay #41. here is how to test it and the relay location as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 12:15 PM
Tiny
KIMCC123
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The relay was changed. The pump is not an AC Delco. I can't afford it or I would have. It runs great when I have the tank on the ground but not when it's up in the truck. I pulled the tank out again to check it. There's only 5lbs of pressure once I get it up in there. I haven't checked the voltage but I did use my test light to make sure there's power.
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Thursday, June 24th, 2021 AT 1:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

If I understand correctly, when the fuel tank is out and on the ground, the vehicle runs correctly. However, when you install the tank, you lose pressure. Is that correct?

If it is, do me a favor. When the tank is on the ground and the engine is running, wiggle all the wires going to the pump to see if there is one that loses contact causing the engine to stall.

Let us know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, June 26th, 2021 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
KIMCC123
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Thank you Joe,

Yes I did what you said and fixed the loose connection. Now it will start but not stay running. Again all fuses and relays are good. Could it be fuel pressure relay? That's what I was told it might be. I can't find anything else wrong.
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Monday, July 5th, 2021 AT 6:33 AM
Tiny
KIMCC123
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It will start when starting fluid is sprayed in engine. It's like something is stopping the fuel from getting to the engine.
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Monday, July 5th, 2021 AT 7:28 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,133 POSTS
Hi,

How long will it stay running? As far as the fuel pump relay, it is located in the underhood fuse box. It is relay 41 and is powered by fuse number 10.

If you look below, I attached a few pics to help. Also, switch the relay with a different one in the box with the same part number. If there isn't one, here is a link that explains how to check a relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

It doesn't make sense for it to be a relay since it runs with the tank out. I still feel you are losing power or ground to the pump. If it was something blocking it, it wouldn't start at all.

Regardless, let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

See pics below.
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Monday, July 5th, 2021 AT 7:58 PM
Tiny
KIMCC123
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It will only stay running for a couple of seconds. I found a loose connection to the fuel pump and fix that it is up where it belongs now. I replaced relay 41, fuses 10, 22, 16, 23, 28, 31, 33, 34, 46 were all checked and replaced. I also checked the fuse box with my multimeter. 12v are coming out.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 10:11 AM
Tiny
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When I hook pressure gauge to it right by the fuel filter there's only 5 lb the pressure going pay there.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 10:12 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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If it runs with the tank out, then pressure must be higher. Therefore, something has to be getting pinched. If you look at the pic below, is that how your fuel lines and filter appear on your vehicle? Did you ever test pressure with the tank out of the vehicle?

It seems you have covered everything electrical, so something must be getting pinched partially when the tank is installed. If it is still getting power with it in, that is the only thing I can think of.

Try one more thing. Remove the fuel cap and check fuel pressure. If it goes up, then we have a blockage preventing the pump from producing pressure or send fuel.

Let me know.

Joe

See pic below.
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Tuesday, July 6th, 2021 AT 9:24 PM
Tiny
KIMCC123
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We took it to the dealership. They replaced the relay and said there's corrosion underneath the fuse box and it needs to be replaced. They also cleared the computer codes. They said that is all they can find wrong with it. I picked it up and it ran for 30 minutes. 2 hours later I went to get in it and drive it and it stalled again and wouldn't start. I took the fuse box apart and I do not see corrosion anywhere on my wires for the connections.
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Monday, July 12th, 2021 AT 8:50 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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When it stalled, was it the same as originally? Basically, do you feel that fuel pressure was lost?

If that is the case, it has to be a connection issue. You checked the ground for the pump already, correct?

Joe
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Monday, July 12th, 2021 AT 8:25 PM

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