Changed fuel pump car won't start

Tiny
SHNICKLY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE
  • 2.0L
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • MANUAL
  • 130,000 MILES
I changed the fuel pump in my wife's car and it turned over the first time we tried but hasn't since.
Friday, August 14th, 2015 AT 4:32 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Turned over or started?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 14th, 2015 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
SHNICKLY
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Well it started for about 5 seconds and then my wife shut it off. So I got it started about 45 minutes ago. Someone told me that there is a security feature on it and to reset it I needed to disconnect the battery and reconnect it. So I did. Not it starts runs and drives for about 15 to 20 minutes and then acts like its loosing power then dies. Then you wait about 1-2 minutes and it starts again?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, August 14th, 2015 AT 9:42 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Ok. If you can, set it up so you can monitor the voltage to the fuel pump next time it starts. See if it stays energized. Also scan it for both hard and soft codes. Soft codes don't set the check engine light, only hard codes do. This is a failing of the OBDCII system in my opinion. The computer only sets the light if the problem will effect emissions, not driveability or even no start conditions.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 11:54 AM
Tiny
SHNICKLY
  • MEMBER
  • 26 POSTS
Lol. Yea I don't have a way to scan it or check voltage. Lol. Anything else I can do?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
RIVERMIKERAT
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,110 POSTS
Go to Autozone. A test light should run you $5. Most shops will scan for codes for free in the expectation that they'll make that back in the repair charges. Then come on back and let me know what you find out. In the meantime, I'll look around at my materials for the wiring diagrams for your car.

Another thing you can do is pop the air cleaner housing open and spray some carb cleaner towards the throttle body when the engine is running and spluttering. If it smooths out, you're not getting the fuel pressure the engine wants.

Many stores like Autozone will also lend tools. See if you can borrow a fuel pressure gauge. Hook it up and crank up the car. Watch the gauge. It should remain steady at at least 40-50 PSI.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Saturday, August 15th, 2015 AT 3:46 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links