98 montana fuel problem

hello i have a 98 pontiac montana transport and am having a problem. a few weeks ago the gas gauge in the van started going up and down. then all of a sudden i lose power in the van while driving. my friend know more than i do and said that it is probly my fuel pump(since i couldnt hear the pump come on when u turn the key) so i changed the pump with a new one changed the oil and replaced three spark plugs. still not working. when i spray starter fluid into the intake the van starts and runs but then dies again. idk what else it could be and dont have alot of money for a diagnostic. thre fuel pump seems like its getting no power but i checked the relay and its fine... can any1 plzz help????


thx rich

Watch what you are doing with the fuel pump and probing for 12VDC power.
Spark, and big problem.
Fuel pump circuits are designed to always be energized +12VDC, but the ground reference is removed.
Be careful when testing your fuel pump.
You can remove the main rail feed to the motor, if you want, and crank the motor, making sure that the fuel is going to a safe spot.
Check your fuel filter as well, there is usually an inline filter.
Remember that the fuel pump relay is only energized when the pressure in the rail is BELOW what the initial setting should be.
Is there a pressure switch on the rail that could be failing?

the fuel pump isnt the problem the pump is brand new. there is no power getting to the pump. idk if its a short in the electrical system or a blown fuse. just need some insight to how much its gunna cost for a shop to diagnose and possibly repair. i know there are alot of possiblities to whats wrong but someone on here with enough car experience should be able to break it down for me

greatly appreciated
rich

Who long ago did you replace the pump?

You should have said something about it being a new pump, but because it is new doesn't mean it can't be bad!

You checked the relay?

How did you check it?

I would get under the van and find the line going to the fuel pump and find a place to unplug it even if that means dropping the tank to unplug it at the pump and hook a voltmeter to it or a test light, then turn the van on and see if you get a reading or the light comes on. You may have to turn the engine over a little to get a reading but when you first turn it on it should give you an indication.
If you don't get anything then check it up at the relay plug, if still nothing then check the power going into the relay for the fuel pump.

the fuel pump isnt the problem the pump is brand new. there is no power getting to the pump. idk if its a short in the electrical system or a blown fuse. just need some insight to how much its gunna cost for a shop to diagnose and possibly repair. i know there are alot of possiblities to whats wrong but someone on here with enough car experience should be able to break it down for me

greatly appreciated
rich

Where did you get the fuel pump?Take it back where you got it from.if it is made by Airtex whom make fuel pumps for Napa and used make fuel pumps for Carquest whom switched to Delphi for their fuel pump supplier.Carter,AutoZone and Advanced are also to stay away from for fuel pumps.

The first thing that should be checked is the fuel pump wire harness. Crawl under the van (approximately at the rear of the drivers seat) and unplug the connector and check closely for any corroded pins.