95 Astro fuel pump fuse

[95astroman]

My 95 Astro 4.3L fuel pump isn't working. I smacked the bottom of the fuel tank with no luck. The pump doesn't have many hours on it but the van hasn't been started for 4-5 months. When I cranked the engine I noticed that the fuel gage pointer went all the way to the extreme right (beyond full) even tough there's only 3 or 4 gallons in the tank. How can I be sure it's a bad fuel pump before I drop the tank? Which fuse is the pump connected to? Are there any easy things to check out before I drop the gas tank?

Any help is appreciated.

[Blue Bowtie]

There should be an electrical connector above and toward the front of the fuel tank. Make sure there is power to the pump at least to this connector, and verify the ground at that connector. You may have to jumper the relay for diagnostic purposes, otherwise the pump will only have power for about two seconds when the ignition is first turned on.

The fuel pump on a '95 should have a 20A fuse labeled "ECM B" which powers the fuel pump through the pump relay. The fuel pump relay should also have a red "prime" connection which allows you to power the pump through the normally closed contacts of the relay (provided they are intact).