99 Voyager Fuel Pump

[jamoosee]

I filled up the tank fully on a hot day last week from 1/8 of a tank. The next day when I went to start the van, (1999, 3.0L automatic, 50,000 miles), a high pitched humming/whining noise was coming from the fuel tank. I shut the engine off, turned the key back on to the ON position but didn't start it. The hum came on briefly and then stopped. Upon starting the engine the hum continued. I tracked the sound to the fuel tank. When I felt the tank with my hand, it was vibrating at a high frequency (not rough vibration though). The next day, the humming sound was gone and has not returned since.
Should I be concerned that the fuel pump is going to fail way and I may be stranded somewhere ? Is this a safety concern ? If a fuel pump fails, is there warning or does it just die ? Any suggestions. I sort of want to replace the pump just to be sure but the pump costs approx. $300 plus labour.

[Brian R.]

I think this should be directed at Plymouth-oriented people - moved

[caravandrvr]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

I think this should be directed at Plymouth-oriented people - moved

Isn't this the "Caravan/Voyager" group? Just asking because I am confused now....

[caravandrvr]

Originally Posted by jamoosee

I filled up the tank fully on a hot day last week from 1/8 of a tank. The next day when I went to start the van, (1999, 3.0L automatic, 50,000 miles), a high pitched humming/whining noise was coming from the fuel tank. I shut the engine off, turned the key back on to the ON position but didn't start it. The hum came on briefly and then stopped. Upon starting the engine the hum continued. I tracked the sound to the fuel tank. When I felt the tank with my hand, it was vibrating at a high frequency (not rough vibration though). The next day, the humming sound was gone and has not returned since.
Should I be concerned that the fuel pump is going to fail way and I may be stranded somewhere ? Is this a safety concern ? If a fuel pump fails, is there warning or does it just die ? Any suggestions. I sort of want to replace the pump just to be sure but the pump costs approx. $300 plus labour.

The fuel pump will turn for a bit when the key is turned to the on position. If the vehicle is not started it will stop turning after a second or two. This is normal. It has been my experience that these electric fuel pumps tend to either just die compltely or cause fuel delivery problems which are more evident in bucking while driving. If the pump spins up when you turn the key, but the car does not start I'd guess it is another problem.

That being said, if something is wrong with the mechanical aspects of the pump it could be making more noise then usual. I would think a pressure test would give you an indication of pending mechanical pump failure.

Based on your concerns, observations, and mileage though if it were on my lift I'd probably recommend changing it, unless you wanted to "take a chance". Nothing worse then an intermittent noise/problem......

Hope this helps!

[jamoosee]

I will have a pressure test done soon to see if it is within specs. If all is well, then I will keep a close "ear" on it. If it resurfaces, I will have it changed. Thanks for your help. (The latest saga with my lemon Voyager, the LAST chrysler product I will ever buy !)