1998 Dodge Caravan Fuel Pump problems...

Hello, I'm having problems with my caravan starting. Two day ago I'd notice that it was starting to act up but taking 2-4 revolutions to start up. I found it odd, but continued my usual business. Same thing happen the following day but this time 4-6 engine turns and it barely fired up. Then I realized something is definitely not right. Now the car will not start. It turns over just fine but will not start. First thing to mind is the fuel pump. I check on the fuel rail, there is a valve to test the pressure and NO gas comes out. In fact I remember just a very slight hiss of air.

My questions are: is this a common problem for these pumps to go bad? Is it very difficult to replace these pumps, and does anyone know of a good link in 'how to' replace this bad boy? Also i'd notice Autozone sell two brands, a Master and Bosch brand. Is one better than the other? Lastly, I'm considering in just purchasing a DIY manual but uncertain which is a better manual, Chiltons or Haynes?? Any and all info would be much appriciated. Many thank you's.

Certainly could be a pump but, you can't ignore the Automatic Shutdown System. If you also are not getting spark I would look in that direction.

Here's the pump change procedure: http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1a/43/1d/0900823d801a431d.jsp More info in the right column. I've never changed one but there's plenty who have all over the forum.

The manuals are a toss up. I've had both and both are lacking to some degree. Another alternative is Allpar.com. They have a subsciption service that looks tempting. There's always the factory manuals for $$$$. The Autozone site is good for common repairs but, doesn't cover everything.

Are you getting a "Service Engine Soon Light" or fault codes with the key trick or scanner? Did you try the "beat on the fuel tank" trick? The pump is in the tank.

I have some advice:Stay away from Autozone(really called AutoJunk)for fuel pumps.AutoZone including Advanced sell the cheapest parts you replace a lot of times.Get a Carter fuel pump instead,they last longer.put a fuel pressure gauge on and find out what the fuel pressure specs are.

I concur with doing a pressure check at the fuel rail. As to Advance or Auto Zone fuel pumps, I put a Advance pump in my 1996 Caravan over 30,000 miles ago and it is still pumping.

I replaced my pump in the summer. I had the same probles you describe. They seem to last around 250,000kms and then give up.

The pump itself is fairly easy to replace and comes with the sender unit etc as one assembly. I think on the 2wd models you can replace the pump without dropping the tank but on mine I had to drop it to get access as it s AWD.

In terms of quality, I think there are only 3-4 manufacturers of pumps so it will either be a federal mogul AC delco or chryslers own. I shopped around and there was not much difference on price, around $350CDN.

I did forget to mention that my Dodge has around 130K miles and NO 'check engine' light. I am assuming that this is going to be the problem because there is no 'CE' light nor any codes coming up.

I do appriciate all the info as suggested, thank you.

One follow up. My 1996 is a 2WD and I did need to lower the fuel tank a foot or so to install the pump. Also, if you have not changed the filter, this would be a good time to do that. My Advance pump cost me about $157.00 US several years ago.

Replacing the fuel filter is part of the warrenty on the new fuel pump.A plugged up fuel filter is one cause of a fuel pump failureIt will say on the box or in the paperwork.I know another brand to stay away from,AirTex and they are junk also.They make fuel pumps for Carquest and Napa,they will not cover a defective fuel pump 99.9% under warrenty.