91 jetta won't start, beginner needs help

[insane992k]

Hi all, new member here. I am not what you would call "car inclined" but don't have a choice this time because of lack of funds. Went to start up my 91 jetta (not diesil) the other morning and it sounded like its out of gas, turning over but thats it. Got the Haynes manual and did some checking...checked the fuel line and nothing coming out when i try to start her. I think it may be the fuel pump cus i don't hear it when i turn the key. I'd like to do any repairs myself if possible, any advice for a newbie? Could the problem be with the fuel pump relay or something besides the pump itself?? I had a good used one put in just a year or two ago. Also, where is the pump located? thanks in advance!

[boschmann]

First look under the driver's dash to find the fuse/relay panel. On the main relay panel (not the upper add-on section) there is a fuel pump relay. There are two rows of six relays (not all are used). The fuel pump relay is on the top row, second from the left. Pull it and connect a jumper wire or paper clip between the two larger slots that are perpendicular to each other. I think they are numbered 4 and 6, but I'm not positive. They are easy to identify as they are larger than all the others on that relay. The pump should run, if it doesn't it's a bad pump (by right rear tire). If it does run, start with a new relay.

[insane992k]

thanks for the reply boschmann, i was hoping you'd see my post and respond. I checked the rows of relays last night and the one on the top row second from left was empty. The haynes manual also says it should be that one. I checked the fuse and relay layout in the Haynes manual and noticed the fuses matched that of a 89-90 jetta. I bridged slots 4-6 on the #12 relay, lower right, and got noise from the pump so I am on my way to get a new relay, 8 bucks aint bad! I'll let you all know how it goes from here. If it still doesn't start what would be next?

[insane992k]

so much for IF. I tried the brand new relay and my jetta still wouldn't start. I'm at a loss now...is there any reason a paperclip would work to start the pump and not the new relay other than the relay being defective?? Also, would it be safe to try and start my car holding a paperclip to bridge the relay?

[boschmann]

It is okay for temporary running, but the pump won't stop when it should & can be dangerous to drive. I suspect it won't though as I think there may be an ignition problem. I assume this isn't a California car (it would say so on the sticker under the hood). Check if there is 12V+ on slot #2 with the key on, and slot #3 should go ground when cranking. Also, check to see if you have spark at th coil wire when cranking.

[insane992k]

The car still wouldn't start when I tried to with the paperclip. The car sounds like its just out of gas but its not, would I get those sounds still if the problem was with the ignition, etc.? I don't know how to do the things you suggested so I am going to take back the relay i got and try another new one. On my existing relay the two larger prongs 4 and 6 are both copper color, on the new relay I got one was copper the other was silver, the only other difference that I could see besides the brand was that the part # on the new one has a "C" at the end of the number, any of this matter?