1996 Buick Regal Intermittent Fuel System Problems

Tiny
ROBSCOTTFORD
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 BUICK REGAL
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
My 1996 Buick Regal (3800) recently became difficult to start in very cold weather or when the battery is run down. It starts okay in warm weather, but still hesitates on inclines and at high speeds. A friend checked the pressure and said the fuel pump pressure was low and that it needs a new fuel pump. But, someone else said it could be the fuel pump relay. What is your opinion?
Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 3:09 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
DOCHAGERTY
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,603 POSTS
My inclination is to ask for a fuel pump dynamic test of pressure/volume. Your friend may be correct and it will need to have the low fuel pressure issue addressed. The fuel pressure being low may or may not have something to do with the pump, but the pump does not set the pressure, the regulator does, and the pressure should be checked along with the delivery volume and it should be done with the vacuum line to the regulator disconnected. If you choose to replace the pump after your diagnostics, also consider replacement of the fuel pump relay, as well as the fuel filter.
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 3:19 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,750 POSTS
If fuel pressure is low then replace fuel filter first then replace fuel pump if its still low. A fuel pump relay cannot cause low fuel pressure
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Sunday, January 25th, 2009 AT 3:19 PM

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