99 fuel pump???

[cobrah]

I have a couple questions about my 99 grand am 4cyl. I was coming home from work today and all of a sudden the trac light came on and about ten seconds later the car died and I coast to the shoulder of the road and get towed home. First thing I check is fuel, the car will start on starting fluid but thats it so the fuel pump junked out, I check the relay so its def. the pump. My question is on what to replace it with the local auto store wants over 300 for the fuel pump assembly, I am thinking I need just the actual pump itself. I can get one on ebay for 35 shipped and replace the current pump in my current module. Here is a link http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ksid=p3907.m32
Sound like a good idea? Any tips? THanks guys.

[xeroinfinity]

IDK.... looks like a cheapo pump.

If its an AC Delco then it might not be a bad deal it just sounds to cheap of a price IMO.
Looks like it would work though, they even gave you directions.

[cobrah]

Is there anywhere to just buy the ac delco or a better quality pump by itself? I am not paying over 300 for the entire assembly.

[xeroinfinity]

Most auto part stores carry many brands of fuel pumps.
I have seen just the pump, not the whole modul, cost $300 or more.
Unless you are drag racing you probly dont need a high performance expensive fuel pump. Just an OEM replacement.

I would also consider replacing your fuel level sending unit if it hasnt been replaced.
If your gas gauge ever floats around, and doesnt always read properly then it's probley bad.
This was and still is a problem on most of the 99-00 models.

Hope that helps and sorry for the delay in the reply.

[cobrah]

All of autoparts stores and gm dealers only offer the complete unit for 300+.

[J-Ri]

I personally would spend the extra money to be almost guaranteed I won't be doing the same job again.

Did you check for codes? It seems odd that the trac light came on, since it comes on any time the SES light is on. Is it possible you didn't notice the SES light?

I would also check for fuel pressure. You can have 47 PSI and if the injectors aren't firing it will do exactly what you are describing.

[xeroinfinity]

Sorry I didnt even adress the "trac" lights issue. lol
It was probly nothing unless they are staying on, then get it scanned with an ABS capable scan tool.

And I would make sure it is the fuel pump and not something else.... like a passlock issue.
Your 4 cyl should have 41-47 psi on the fuel pressure, you would need to rent the gauge adapter for this though.

Does you gas guage floot around, reading inacurate ??

I'd just hate to buy a cheap pump from fleabay then have to replace it again in 12 months or so.

ps - you did check other fuses that have the fuel pump/injectors on the circuit ?

[cobrah]

Yes I have checked all relays and fuses regarding the fuel pump/system. Only code I had was a lean codition on bank 1 which is because of the fuel pump crapping out. Its not a big job about an hour to two tops, no big deal if the pump last 12 months I would be thrilled.

How would you suggest checking to see if the injectors are firing? Whats a surefire way to detect this?

[xeroinfinity]

A lean codition does not always mean your fuel pump is the issue. Could be some other emissions componant but without the proper diagnosis youre guessing which is expensive.

You can rent or buy a Noid light, this can tell if the injectors are firing, you just cant tell how well they are working. That requires some higher end software or scan tool to check the pulse width / duty cycles.

I'd just hate to replace the fuel pump and it not be whats causing your troubles...
Do you hear the pump prime/run when the key is turned on ??

[cobrah]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

A lean codition does not always mean your fuel pump is the issue. Could be some other emissions componant but without the proper diagnosis youre guessing which is expensive.

You are correct to a certain extent, but in this case with the fuel pump not operating that is in fact what is causing the lean condition. The fuel pump cannot be heard when the key is switched on.

[xeroinfinity]

Alrighty sounds like it could be the pump lol

One other thing I'd also check, is the wire harness from the tank. They tend to break/crack over time and can cause simular issues.