Fuel Pump Relay

allan123 · #1 12-14-2005, 05:50 PM

I posted recently about a coolant leak and now I have another issue. When trying to start my 96 Lumina APV with a 3.4 engine today all it would do was turn over with no starting, all the fuel pump relay did was keep clicking and I know it wasn't getting any gas. I listened to see if the fuel pump was running and it wasn't. I took a taxi to work and when I got home I tried it again and it started right away. This same thing has happened almost exactly a year ago and the same result, when I got back home it started right away. The temperature today was just above freezing and it was very damp out if that helps. I tried tapping the relay with no results. I purchased a new relay on the way home but need to know how to test mine in case I don't actually need a new one or if it may be the pump or computer?

Any help would be greatly appreciated, this forum is very helpful.

Thanks,
Allan

tblake · #2 12-15-2005, 12:08 AM

a relay is either good or bad, there is no inbetween. And if it goes out, it will not work again later on in the day. You may as well return your new relay.

tapcola · #3 12-17-2005, 02:36 PM

Mine does the same thing. I even replaced the fuel relay but It is not that. I had it tested a tseveral garages and no one could find anything wrong with it.
Did you notice that when you turn the key that the check engine light does not come on, when this happens. It always happens to me when it is cold out or when the temp. go from warm to cold over night. My solution that works for me is: I take a hairdryer out and put it under the glove box, turn the key and wait for the check engine light to turn on. Then it starts right up.
If you try this please let me know if it worked. I think it has something to with moisture getting into the computer system.

jeffcoslacker · #4 12-17-2005, 03:05 PM

I think your computer is under the hood on the '96....not sure though.

jeffcoslacker · #5 12-17-2005, 03:07 PM

According to AutoZone, i was wrong...sorry

ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTEROn your 1996 CHEVROLET TRUCK LUMINA VAN, the ENGINE CONTROL COMPUTER is:
FRONT SEATING AREA, PASSENGER SIDE, UNDER DASH,
MOUNTED BELOW GLOVE COMPARTMENT

allan123 · #6 12-17-2005, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tapcola

Mine does the same thing. I even replaced the fuel relay but It is not that. I had it tested a tseveral garages and no one could find anything wrong with it.
Did you notice that when you turn the key that the check engine light does not come on, when this happens. It always happens to me when it is cold out or when the temp. go from warm to cold over night. My solution that works for me is: I take a hairdryer out and put it under the glove box, turn the key and wait for the check engine light to turn on. Then it starts right up.
If you try this please let me know if it worked. I think it has something to with moisture getting into the computer system.

Thanks for the reply, I never noticed the check engine light thing since this is the only time it has happened. I'll try the hairdryer thing if it happens again

POST REPLY TO THIS THREAD