possible fuel pump problem

Ok. Last night I tried to start my car and it was turning over but it wasn't getting fuel, it seemed. So this morning I tried again and nothing. I sprayed the injectors a couple times, and a few times it would start but then die again. A few times this past week it shut off and I had to start it back up again, but then it ran fine. Now....I got nothing. I heard the fuel pump is actually IN the gas tank? Is that true? Anybody else have this problem ever? This is gonna suck if I have to take the freakin tank out....I just filled it up, too.

i just replaced my fuel pump.. my car is TPI but i dont know if it makes a difference.. it IS in the fuel tank. it was a bitch to take out. Turn the ignition, you should hear the little hiss or mechanical noise the fuel pump makes for like two seconds before you actually crank it up. if you dont hear anything, then bingo.

check relays. I believe one of the fuel system relays is actually under the hood by the booster. Those are prone to go bad. but do what AFI suggested.

also check the fuel pump fuse that's located by the battery, it's on the fender wall, looks like a plug going into nothing.

is that what that is??? I was wondering about that.....had no idea....cuz it does just kinda go to nowhere.

yes sir it is, take it out then try to start the car.

AFI, how much did it run you? I have to bring it to a shop because I can't do it myself. Even the redneck way (cutting through the floor pan) I can't do. I can't even get it running to drive it the half mile to my shop.....UGH. I'm probably going to have to tow it.

dude this chick can work on her own car? sweet....and im sure 3rd gens are like 4th gens u have to go through the fuel tank...the fun stops now.

my car is being such a dirty little whore.

and she says whore...... u are one cool lady

Another question....what the hell else should I replace now that I'm gonna be knee-deep in car juice for the next three days? Is there anything else in the tank that should be replaced other than the pump? I'm doing the filter too, but that's not in there. Fuck if I'm ripping this bitch apart again to get to some other retarded part.

The filter should be on the side like drivers side (for 4g's anyways) if you are gonna be on your knees.... Man I can see alot of comments coming... :evillol:

I know where the fuel filter is, jerk! lol :cya: :rofl:

Besides the pump itself, you should replace the strainer as well (it's like a small filter that fits on the end of the pump). Using the old strainer can cause premature failure.

AFI 05, replacement of a TPI and TBI pump is the same, but the pump for a TPI will have a higher pressure, greater flow capacity.

Lol I'm not a jerk, I'm an asshole.

A shop is going to hit you for about $500 for a pump R & R. While in there replace the strainer "sock", pulsator and the seal for the pump access panel.

ok. yeah screw paying all that for maybe $100 worth of parts. thanks.

AFI, how much did it run you? I have to bring it to a shop because I can't do it myself. Even the redneck way (cutting through the floor pan) I can't do. I can't even get it running to drive it the half mile to my shop.....UGH. I'm probably going to have to tow it.
uhh the fuel pump cost me around $75 at auto zone and you HAVE to buy the strainer as well that goes attached to the pump or else it will void the warranty they give you. Well, i never even asked for it but the guy gave it to me anyway so i bought it.. the strainer is like 4 bucks and I did the work myself (which was a real task). You have to remove one of the crossmembers, the muffler and tailpipes, heat guards and then you have to struggle to get the tank out cause the pipe that goes from where you pump the gas is attached to it so you have to manuever it around. I suggest if your gonna do it, take out the gas.. cause your gonna need to mess around with the tank in order to get it out.

75$? :wtf: I paid 600$ for a 4th gen brand new from GM... but I was in a pickle and had to be done... they go for about 400 if you find outlets etc

whats the best way to get my gas out? does the hose idea work? i filled the tank earlier that day, before it died. i have GREAT timing....lol

siphon it out....

Yeah suck on a hose, get a big barrel, when you see the gas let it come out and try not to get it in your mouth, it sucks

Maybe I missed it in the middle of all the kidding around, but ahve we verfied the pump is indeed 'dead'?

well, I can't hear anything prime when I turn the key. i'm going to replace the relay first, before i start tearing the back end apart, but...i can't see naything that could be the culprit besides the fuel pump.

yeah, definately keep it simple before you start going after the tank itself. usually the pumps will just die without any warning aside from being a little bit on the noisier side prior to their demise.

I'd definately do some checking around of the little things first like the relay, fuses and oil pressure switch connection. My pump dosen't prime that loud either, when I wasn't certain, I had to take the filler cap off and listen through there.

Will it prime even if I don't actually turn the car ON? I guess I should have someone else do and stick my ear in there. I just went last night to Advance and they didn't have the relay in stock, so then I had to go to Autozone WHICH I HATE, and they didn't even have the part in their COMPUTER! This whole electric-in-tank setup really sucks.

yes, when you move the key up to "on" but your not really cranking up the engine, you should hear the pump. it goes for like two or three seconds.. then it goes quiet until you actually crank it up

I reeeeeeeally hope it's the freaking relay.

I reeeeeeeally hope its your freakin relay too.. good luck

Yeah suck on a hose, let it come out and try not to get it in your mouth, it sucks


ummm :greddy2:

that kinda input was not needed her xeno.. Im sure if sg needed that kinda advice she woulda asked someone besides you.

all fixed! it took me FOREVER to siphon the gas out. and to get the tank back in without cracking the neck. this calls for celebration...i think i'll have another beer.

all fixed! it took me FOREVER to siphon the gas out. and to get the tank back in without cracking the neck. this calls for celebration...i think i'll have another beer.

cool.. ill join you with a beer since ive been there too.. so you replaced the pump or what was fixed...

yep, i tried the relay first, and that wasn't it. so i pulled an all-nighter and part of yesterday morning and finished it quicker than i expected, actually. i thought it was going to be alot more difficult. just shows what a little determination and a couple heineken can do. i didn't go without sneezing and cursing though...lol

yep, i tried the relay first, and that wasn't it. so i pulled an all-nighter and part of yesterday morning and finished it quicker than i expected, actually. i thought it was going to be alot more difficult. just shows what a little determination and a couple heineken can do. i didn't go without sneezing and cursing though...lol

HOLY SHIT.. Heineken is the only beer I wont refuse to drink.. well except for Corona which also kicks ass.. domestic beer is horrible.. reminds me of an old dusty basement somehow :eek7:

Yes... Corona kicks much ass...real good with a lime too, but i'll drink it without

yummy Mexican beer hahaha