MooJohn
Well-Known LVC Member
Recently I've had a harder time getting the car to start. It turns over but never fires, and I'm 99% sure it's a lack of fuel causing the problem. For a while I could keep it from happening by pausing at the ON position long enough for the pump to prime and the car would fire up right away when turned to Start.
I know to search, and I've seen enough threads on the issue to know that the most probable cause is the pump itself. I'll have to pay a shop to do that for me as I just can't handle dropping the tank without a lift -- and of course it's almost full right now!
It could also be the control module. I'd hate to throw away $75ish on a "maybe" without having any firm evidence to lead me in that direction. During the times the car won't start, I don't hear any noise from the pump when the key is in the ON position. This could still be a failing pump or the module.
The slimmest chance of an issue would be the fuel filter. I'm certain it is stock, and at 88k miles it wouldn't hurt to replace it but I don't hold much hope that it's the actual problem.
Is there any troubleshooting I can do before throwing new parts at it? I'll check the wiring diagrams to see if I can find the wire from the control module that feeds the pump; at least I can check it for voltage output during crank.
Too bad monitoring software starts at $350+ to know what the engine computer sees. I'd love to be able to monitor fuel pressure and pump duty cycle. I always prefer real troubleshooting vs. shotgun parts replacement.
I know to search, and I've seen enough threads on the issue to know that the most probable cause is the pump itself. I'll have to pay a shop to do that for me as I just can't handle dropping the tank without a lift -- and of course it's almost full right now!
It could also be the control module. I'd hate to throw away $75ish on a "maybe" without having any firm evidence to lead me in that direction. During the times the car won't start, I don't hear any noise from the pump when the key is in the ON position. This could still be a failing pump or the module.
The slimmest chance of an issue would be the fuel filter. I'm certain it is stock, and at 88k miles it wouldn't hurt to replace it but I don't hold much hope that it's the actual problem.
Is there any troubleshooting I can do before throwing new parts at it? I'll check the wiring diagrams to see if I can find the wire from the control module that feeds the pump; at least I can check it for voltage output during crank.
Too bad monitoring software starts at $350+ to know what the engine computer sees. I'd love to be able to monitor fuel pressure and pump duty cycle. I always prefer real troubleshooting vs. shotgun parts replacement.