Car will not start

[asilverblazer]

Sorry that I lack some details on this car, it is my grandmothers.

I have read page after page of starting problems, now I'm not quite sure where to start looking for this problem.

The car will not run. It will crank fine, just not run. I can get it to run by spraying starting fluid down the intake tube, it will run on this (Badly) til its gone and die. I can hear the fuel pump come on, but there is little fuel at the test port in the engine compartment. I think the problem lies with something preventing fuel, but I'm not sure what would or has the ability to prevent fuel.

The key is not original but has been working fine in the past. I don't know if the theft light is on or blinking. I wasn't looking for it either, till now.

Does the passlock system prevent fuel or ignition? The problem is definately fuel.

Could a bad dirty worn ignition switch cause this?

3.1 V6 with no codes on the computer.

Appreciate any help some one can provide.

[Negatoro]

Make sure there's fuel in the tank!

Run fuel pump a few times by turning the key from off to run to hopefully build fuel pressure, then try to start.

If no go then check fuel pressure at the test port.
1.)Relieve fuel pressure [I just pull fuel pump relay in the underhood fuse box then start the car and run it 'til it dies.. Then crank a few more seconds to be sure.]
2.)Connect fuel pressure gauge to fuel rail test port.
3.)Reinstall fuel pump relay then turn key from off to run then off to run a few more times. Turn key off.
4.)Read fuel pressure gauge and compare to fuel pressure spec:

'97-'99 -- 41-47psi
'00+ -- 52-59psi

5.)If insufficient pressure then pinch off rubber fuel return line and turn key from off to run. Turn key off.
6.)If fuel pressure rises, suspect fuel pressure regulator. If not, suspect restricitons in fuel delivery line/clogged fuel filter/inadequate pump..


Hell.. try this then reply. I could go on and on.

-Mark T.

[asilverblazer]

Thanks for the reply.

I don't have a gauge but by following those steps it never builds that kind of pressure at that port.

I haven't tried pinching the return line. (Where is it?)

I've never spent any time under the hood of this car, plenty under my own though.

Since fuel filters are cheap where is it at? I might replace it for the fun of it.

[Negatoro]

Fuel system overview:

Fuel pump pumps fuel out of the tank, through the filter (located behind the tank way up there in front of the rear suspension) through the main fuel deivery line to the fuel rail inlet [driver's side rear fuel rail]. Fuel is delivered to fuel rails at high pressure which is controlled by the fuel pressure regulator. the regulator bleeds off excess pressure and allows that 'extra'fuel to flow through the return line back to the tank.

if low pressure then one thing causing this condition could be an open fuel pressure regulator.. in this case the regulator would allow all fuel to flow back to the tank. If pinching the rubber hose after the fpr allows pressure to build then you can suspect that the regulator isn't doing its job and requires replacement.

Be careful you don't damage the rubber fuel hose. I use flat, smooth visegrip pliers clamped on as loosely as possible while still being effective.

-Mark T.

[asilverblazer]

In that case I doubt it is the regulator, it seems in the scenario you describe at least some fuel would end up getting in to the combustion chamber to cause some sputtering or attempts to start. It seems like no fuel at all is present.

If the regulator was stuck open would it devert all the fuel back to the tank and let none through?

Where is the regulator hiding at?

I did try having my wife crank the engine with the test port valve pressed open, no fuel came out of it.

Thanks, so much!

[Negatoro]

Damn.. well you don't need to crank to check pressure, just turn the key to run to cycle the pump.


MAKE SURE THERE'S FUEL IN THE TANK.

Make yourself certain that the fuel pump cycles when the key is turned to run.

If fuel is not making it to the fuel rails then you either have:

bad pump
clogged lines/filter
big ass leak - could again be faulty pump. It's possible that the pump can make noise, but actually not be pumping fuel.

-Mark T.

[asilverblazer]

I really appreciate your help.

I know hte pump come on, I can hear it, whether it pumps anything or not...

I can't see "big ass" leaks, or smell any for that matter.

It's go gas 1/2 a tank. It's on a small incline, I might try pushing it up to a leveler location but doubt that the fuel level is that low.

Could it be that fuel is making it to the fuel rail (Despite lack of fuel at the test port, bare with me) but the injectors are not opening? I know, not likely because the port is dry...

Or could the pump be receiving the come "on" signal but not a "pump" signal?

[Negatoro]

I still see fuel pressure regulator a possibly at fault. Other items to later consider include faulty fuel pump, clogged fuel filter.

The next easiest suspect to test is the fuel pressure regulator.

By the looks of the fuel rail I can definately see fuel flowing through the rails and returning to the tank at low pressure without evidence of flow at the test port. Because the test port is at the end of the rear rail about two inches beyond the crossover tube, fuel might not reach the port if not pressurized.

1.)Pinch the return line..

--The fuel pressure regulator [FPR] is on the right [driver's] side of the front
fuel rail. There is a little vacuum line attached to the top of the FPR. Follow the metal line down from the FPR 'til it turns rubber. Carefully pinch/clamp the rubber hose with locking pliers [wrap the hose with a rag or something similar to prevent damaging the hose].

2.a)Now cycle the pump a couple [read: two or less] times, then check for pressure at the test port.

2.b)If no results, try cycling the pump a couple more times.
2.c)If still no result, repeat once more.

2.d)If pressure does build at the test port then replace fuel pressure regulator.

Now go do this NOW so you can get the bastard running! Hopefully.

Could it be that fuel is making it to the fuel rail (Despite lack of fuel at the test port, bare with me) but the injectors are not opening? I know, not likely because the port is dry...
With no pressure at the fuel rails, fuel won't squirt through the injectors whether they open or not.

Or could the pump be receiving the come "on" signal but not a "pump" signal?
The fuel pump has two states: On [pumping] -or- Off [not pumping]

-Mark T.

[asilverblazer]

Alright will try all those suggestions and hopefully will get some where (literally) with the car.

Appreciate your help very much.

[Negatoro]

How's it goin' with that car, bud?

-Mark T.

[asilverblazer]

Great now! It ended up being the fuel pump.

Thanks again for all your help.