1996 Pontiac Grand Am gas pump problem

If you mean fuel pump, the engine would not start. On some cars you can hear the pump energize when you turn the key to "on" for a few seconds, then a "click" which is the relay and then pump would turn off untill you start the engine.

The only real way to be sure is to have the fuel pressure tested with a mechanical gauge. If no pressure, then pump, fuse, relay or wiring.