2002 Isuzu Axiom car cuts off while driving

Tiny
TILLYSONFAMILY
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 ISUZU AXIOM
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 146,735 MILES
Over the past week my car has cut off 4 or 5 times while I was driving. I could hear what sounds like a huming or whining sound, that appears to be coming from the gas tank area. When this noise stops the car stops running. Is this a bad fuel pump. If it is can I replace it myself.
Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 8:35 AM

12 Replies

Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,814 POSTS
Hi tillysonfamily,

Thank you for the donation.

Symptoms do indicate a faulty fuel pump.

To replace the fuel pump, the fuel tank has to be removed from vehicle. If you are able to do that, then it is possible to DIY.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 9:00 AM
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
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The whining or humming is certainly an indication of the fuel pump.

Have fuel pressure measured with mechanical gauge.

Could be a fuel pump, but also a hose to pump is leaking/loose.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
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I had a mechanic measure the fuel pressure, and he said it was fine. Should I replace the pump anyway.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 9:11 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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If it is a soft and low humming noise, that is normal operating noise of the fuel pump but if the noise is slightly rough, then I would recommend replacing the fuel pump.

When the pump is operating, it can provide the pressure. If the noise is higher than normal operating noise, the pump is failing and can stop intermittently.

If the noise is normal and the engine cuts off intermittently, you shoudl start by cehcking/teting the control circuit first. Look out for possible failing relays.

When engine stalled, was it easy to restart?
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 2:38 PM
Tiny
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Yes. The engine starts right back up.
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-1
Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 2:51 PM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You might have a control, realy or wiring connectivity problem. When power is not supplied to the fuel pump, it would stop.

I would suggest checking out the circuits first.
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Friday, April 9th, 2010 AT 4:12 PM
Tiny
TILLYSONFAMILY
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Can I check the circuits myself or do I need to take it to a mechanic?
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 6:29 AM
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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This is an intermittent problem so would not be easy to diagnose even if you send it to the mechanic.

If you are able to use a test lamp and DVOM then it is possible to DIY.

Problem is when it stalled, it starts right back so it is not possible to locate what is missing causing the problem.

You can start by swapping out the fuel pump relay. It is located in underhood fuse box. Use the fog light relay to swap so that if the relay is bad, it would not affect the engine or other operations.

Did you try to retrieve for trouble codes?
Autozone provides free scanning services, get it checked and let me know if any codes are found.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:27 AM
Tiny
TILLYSONFAMILY
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Yes I did retrieve a trouble code. (P0420)
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 7:31 AM
Tiny
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P0420 = low catalyst efficiency Bank 1, meaning an error has been detected with the right bank of the engine.

It could be leaks in the exhaust system, faulty catalytic converter or engine misfiring that can damage the catalytic converter.

The code would not cause the engine to stall, though it might affecr performance.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 10:45 AM
Tiny
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Both times the car has stalled is when I have driven at least 60mph, for about hour and half straight.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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Under such condition, most probably something heated up and failed.

That is the reason I suggested checking the fuel pump relay.
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Monday, April 12th, 2010 AT 12:30 PM

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