96 Sunfire...fuel pump isn't coming on

[Smokin_Joe]

I wanted to relieve the pressure in the fuel system to change the fuel filter so I removed the fuel pump relay but the car didn't shut off. So then i unplugged the fuel pressure sensor(?) under the tank and the car shut off. I couldn't get the fuel filter off so i then plugged it back in, put in the relay and now the fuel pump doesn't come on. WHat gives? Is the fuel pump dead or could this be caused by the security system? I noticed when i turn the key over that the security light on the dash is on but i can't remember if it was on before i did this. Any help appreciated.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by Smokin_Joe

I wanted to relieve the pressure in the fuel system to change the fuel filter so I removed the fuel pump relay but the car didn't shut off. So then i unplugged the fuel pressure sensor(?) under the tank and the car shut off. I couldn't get the fuel filter off so i then plugged it back in, put in the relay and now the fuel pump doesn't come on. WHat gives? Is the fuel pump dead or could this be caused by the security system? I noticed when i turn the key over that the security light on the dash is on but i can't remember if it was on before i did this. Any help appreciated.

Make sure the ignition is off before checking these items.
If you have A/C, swap the A/C relay with the fuel pump relay to determine if that's the cause.
Next thing to do is check your fuse box and check the ECM fuse, although I doubt if that's the problem.
Most likely you blew the relay, or your pump power connector isn't hooked up correctly (what you call the pressure sensor). Check the connector for proper fit/seating.
Good luck.

[Smokin_Joe]

Originally Posted by mike2004tct

Make sure the ignition is off before checking these items.
If you have A/C, swap the A/C relay with the fuel pump relay to determine if that's the cause.
Next thing to do is check your fuse box and check the ECM fuse, although I doubt if that's the problem.
Most likely you blew the relay, or your pump power connector isn't hooked up correctly (what you call the pressure sensor). Check the connector for proper fit/seating.
Good luck.

Hi mike, I did the relay swap and that didn't work. Checked the fuses and they are fine. I took out the pump power connector at least 3 times to make sure it was going back in right and still no go. I just can't believe that the pump could be dead after such a simple thing.

[mike2004tct]

Originally Posted by Smokin_Joe

Hi mike, I did the relay swap and that didn't work. Checked the fuses and they are fine. I took out the pump power connector at least 3 times to make sure it was going back in right and still no go. I just can't believe that the pump could be dead after such a simple thing.

I agree, but unless you have a spare pump laying around you could test,I don't have any other sugestions other than perhaps it is the security system. My daughter's '96 doesn't have it, but my in-laws '01 saturn does, and it caused the same problems you described. I can't say for sure that's your problem, but you may want to disconnect the negative battery terminal for at least 10 minutes to reset the ECM, which may reset the security. Also check your owner's manual (if you have it ) for details on the security system and what is needed to reset it.
Again, good luck.