2003 Blazer won't start

[Kassie]

I'm trying to find out what is wrong with my mom's vehicle. I'm thinkg fuel pump but I'd like to see if anyone else agrees. I'll try to expain what it is doing and what we have done so far. I really hope someone can help me.

Her vichicle is a 2003 Chevrolet Blazer, 4 door. It has a brand new battery.

She drove it to the store and came back home and shut it off. Within 5 minutes she tried to start it back up to move it and it won't start. When she turns the key, all dashlights come on, all guages work and the engine is turning but won't start.

When the key is turned, I do not hear the fuel pump. But I've been told that in some vehicles you don't.

We removed the cover under the hood and took out the "plug" that said fuel pump (it was grey and had 4 prongs on it that plugged in) and switched it with another "plug" with the same numbers and it still does the same thing.

Hubby took of the black cover (think it was the breather but not sure correct name) and sprayed a little starting fluid and the Blazer started for a few seconds and would continue this until it burnt up the fluid. He looked down in this when I was trying to start it and he said that he couldn't see any gas being shot in it.

Could it be anything else besides the fuel pump?? Where is the fuel pump relay switch located and how can we tell if it is bad?

I have no problem buying a fuel pump for my mom but I would like to know that it is going to fix the problem.

I would appreciate anyone's suggestions on what to do/check.

Thanks.

[gmtech1]

That "plug" was the fuel pump relay. Does sound like a fuel pump problem. Need to check fuel pressure with a gauge. Ther is a port on the fuel line under the hood near the back of the eng, should have a black cap on it. Thats the port to install the fuel pressure gauge. Install gauge and turn key to "on", do not crank. Pressure should read 55-62psi.

[Kassie]

Thanks for the quick response.

We will be going to my mom's tomorrow so I'll have hubby to check the fuel pressure. What would it mean if the pressure is incorrect??

I also don't know when she had the fuel filter last changed (probably never). Could the fuel filter be causing all of this??

If anyone else has any suggestions, just let me know so that I can check everything when I go to her house

[gmtech1]

Yes, If the fuel filter has not been changed that you can remember, change it! If it's plugged, then there will be low or no fuel pressure. If the pressure readings are low, then you either have a bad pump or a plugged filter.

[Kassie]

ok. I will stop and get a fuel filter on the way to her house. It would be GREAT if this was all the problem was but even if it isn't, it won't hurt anything to change it for her.

Are there any special tools I need to change this??

[gmtech1]

It's threaded on one side, the other has a quick connect fitting, compress the two plastic ears and slide the line off. The filter is in a plastic bracket that bolts to the frame. It's kind of tough to get out of the bracket. I have seen people cut the bracket on the side with a hacksaw to get the filter out, or you can unbolt the bracket and remove it.

[Kassie]

Thanks for your help. We are going to change the fuel filter first to see if that makes a difference.

One more question.....

If it is indeed the fuel pump, does the tank have to be completely off of the vehicle or just lowered some??

[gmtech1]

Yeah, the tank needs to come out. Lets hope it's just a plugged filter. Make sure to get the fuel pressure checked.