Fuels pump vs. Water pump

Tiny
PADAIR
  • MEMBER
  • JEEP CHEROKEE
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 164,000 - I understand if you don't want to answer this question. However, I put my jeep into one repair shop with the following problem: car cuts off while driving, sometimes doesnt' start, I have seen the gas gauge lowered during these events. This car shop said it was my water pump and I had it replaced. Problem, however, continued. I have taken it to a different car shop who now says it is the fuel pump. From what I have read in this forum and others this is a reasonable diagnosis. I don't see the water pump in this forum as a potential problem with they sypmtoms above. My question is, Is it reasonable to complain at the previous shop?
Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 AT 6:17 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
HYKNRD
  • MEMBER
  • 59 POSTS
Complaining sounds more than reasonable to me. Might not help the matter, but might make you feel better.
A water pump can sieze and cause other problems, but I don't think the ones you mentioned. Your pump may have been leaking, but I would question any mechanic that diagnosed a no-start/stall condition as being a faulty water pump.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 AT 7:10 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
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I would recommend finding a shop you trust and stick with them. Too many cooks spoil the broth.
Ask the first shop why the replaced the pump. If it was because it was leaking, then have them explain how it had anything to do with the performance problem. IF it was their diagnosis for the performance problem, I would ask for my money back or how it could be related. I wouldn't be afraid to ask the 2nd shop for help by having them calling the first garage for info.
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Saturday, December 23rd, 2006 AT 10:01 PM
Tiny
BOB WILSON
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  • 13 POSTS
ASK THE MECHANIC AT THE SECOND SHOP TO VERIFY THAT YOU DO INDEED HAVE A NEW WATER PUMP. SOUNDS LIKE THE 1ST MECHANIC MAY HAVE SOLD YOU DOWN THE RIVER.
BACK TO YOUR PROBLEM. THE REASON THE GAS GAUGE DROPS WHEN YOU ARE EXPERIENCING THE PROBLEM IS THE SENDING UNIT IS PART OF THE PUMP AND RUNS OFF THE SAME WIRES THAT POWER THE PUMP. YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO HEAR YOUR PUMP ENGAGE WHEN YOU 1ST TURN YOUR KEY, BUT BEFORE YOUR STARTER ENGAGES THE ENGINE. NO PUMP WHINE, THEN IT IS A FUSE IN THE CONTROL CENTER, THE FUEL PUMP RELAY, OR THE PUMP ITSELF.
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Thursday, December 28th, 2006 AT 9:25 PM
Tiny
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Forgive me If I'm wrong or off base, I never try to embarass anyone, as I make my share of well intended but wrong statements.

The wiring, although in the same harness are not related to each other. That is the fuel level sensor is powered by a light blue/yellow wire and grounded with a black/ light blue wire. The fuel pump module is grounded with a back wire and poweredwith a darkgreen/black wire. Therefore a problem to one will not necessarlily affect the other.

Kindly correct me if I am off base on that. :)
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Friday, December 29th, 2006 AT 10:12 PM
Tiny
BOB WILSON
  • MEMBER
  • 13 POSTS
DEAR SERVICE WRITER,
THANKS FOR THE CORRECTION. I WAS WRONG. I THOUGHT I REMEMBERED SOME VEHICLES HAVING THE POWER TO THE FUEL PUMP ALSO POWER THE FUEL GAUGE.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2006 AT 5:58 PM
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
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Part of the reason I get involved in this forum is to learn. There are so many differences from one to another it is mindpboggling! :Roll:

I wonder what ever happened to padair or how he made out?

Happy new year BOB.
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Saturday, December 30th, 2006 AT 9:42 PM

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