89 Caravan - Does Not Start - Computer code 55

[goldenmole]

89 Caravan does not start - starter does turn the engine over. Maintenance required - check engine light comes on. Turning the key 3x and holding it results in computer code 55 - end of codes. Any idea what could be wrong? Many thanks!!!

[Anaudiophile]

Code 55 indicates the end of the code checking sequence and not an actual code!!
I'd check for spark and fuel then go from there!!

[goldenmole]

Thank you - I thought 55 might be worse. I was going to try some fuel system Prestone antifreeze and cleaner but did not do so yet as I thought there may be a part gone bad. This may clear up not getting gas - or else it may be the fuel filter. I'll start with the no gas prognosis, then go to spark - thank you very much!

[goldenmole]

When I bang on the gas tank with a rubber mallet - the engine fires a little, but dies right out and does not get going. When trying to start it without banging the gas tank - it does not fire at all. Seems like a fuel pump problem doesn't it? I was talking to the auto parts person who I ask about car problems and he was giving a rundown of no fuel problems and mentioned the fuel pump - I said, "Ya know its funny - I just got a full tank of gas". He said 90% of the time when a fuel pump goes - it is after a full tank of gas - it stirs something up and gets caught in the pump. He showed how the whole pump assembly part is $130 and just the pump part is $80 - one has to install the $80 pump part into the assenbly to save that money. Any thoughts?

[Anaudiophile]

Very simple to install!! If you have a problem at all I'd guess with the lockring that holds the assembly in the tank. It's a bummer having a full tank of fuel though. Try syphoning some out before lowering the fuel tank to replace the pump.
As far as the 130 buck part or 80 buck part goes. If the fuel guage is working ok, and there's no carbon tracking on the level sending unit I'd go with the 80 buck piece!!!