Dodge Caravan Fuel System Question

[C. Amick]

I have a 1991 dodge caravan that won't start. I believe the problem to be the fuel pump or related to the fuel pump. I can't hear the fuel pump running when I turn on the ignition. I don't see a fuse for the fuel pump in the fuse block. Is there a fuse? There appear to be some relays located on the driver's side of the engine compartment. Are one of these for the fuel pump?

[mechanic1980]

if you hear the pump its not likely a fuel issue did you check for spark, if it is a fuel issue did you check the filter?

[serge_saati]

He says he CAN'T hear the pump.

I don't know this car, but you can check in your owner manual, in road emergency chapter. They give info about fuse and relay. In my van, I've the both.

[tempfixit]

Welcome to AF C. Amick:

Which engine do you have??? From what I see in the haynes manual the fuse is a 5 amp located on the top left corner of the IP fuse block (cavity # 13) but do not see a relay.

Try tapping the fuel tank with a rubber mallet or 2x4, this sometimes will knock the fuel pump from binding and working again, but if this is the case you will need to replace pump.

Hope this helps

[serge_saati]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

From what I see in the haynes manual the fuse is a 5 amp located on the top left corner of the IP fuse block (cavity # 13) but do not see a relay.

The relay is usually in the underhood power distribution box. And maybe there's another fuse here.
Unless if the pump is connected directly to the PCM in this van?

Before replacing the pump, I suggest to remove the fuse of the pump and connect an ampere-meter at the place of the fuse. Then turn key to RUN or start. If there's no current, then the problem is probably the relay, the PCM relay, or a bad contact somewhere. Maybe at the pump connection.

But if there's a lot of current but no prime, then the pump's motor is blown. Cause when an electric motor fail, current still flows in the burned winding.

[C. Amick]

Originally Posted by tempfixit

Welcome to AF C. Amick:

Which engine do you have??? From what I see in the haynes manual the fuse is a 5 amp located on the top left corner of the IP fuse block (cavity # 13) but do not see a relay.

Try tapping the fuel tank with a rubber mallet or 2x4, this sometimes will knock the fuel pump from binding and working again, but if this is the case you will need to replace pump.

Hope this helps

It's a 3.0 V6 engine. The fuse in the upper left is a 20 amp fuse for the emergency flashers. There is nothing labeled on the fuse block for the fuel pump. I will try tapping on the fuel tank. Thanks.

[C. Amick]

Originally Posted by C. Amick

It's a 3.0 V6 engine. The fuse in the upper left is a 20 amp fuse for the emergency flashers. There is nothing labeled on the fuse block for the fuel pump. I will try tapping on the fuel tank. Thanks.

I tapped on the gas tank with a rubber hammer. The engine started, so the fuel pump is the problem.