Shutting off, seems to be not getting fuel pressure

Tiny
JESSIMI TRAUTMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 PONTIAC BONNEVILLE
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,332 MILES
Hello all. A couple months ago, it would shut off when I was driving. I thought it might have been the battery or something at first. Long story short, I was not getting fuel pressure. I would try to start and it would just crank and crank, no start. Once it seemed to build pressure again, it would start. The distances it would drive before cutting off seemed to have gotten shorter.

What I have done to the vehicle so far to try and fix the problem:

First, I replaced the fuel filter. Then, I replaced the fuel pump. I figured if it wasn't getting enough pressure, that had to be it. Nope! Then I checked the fuse for the relay switch. I believe I checked the right one in the relay center. It is the yellow 40a that says it's for the fuel relay. Then I read that the oil pressure switch takes over for power to the fuel pump after the car is running. I had extremely low oil. So, I put in 3 quarts and tried again. Still shutting off.

I honestly don't know what it could be. I was thinking maybe an electrical problem, but I don't know. I hope not. It's an old enough model to need to be hooked to the older style computer I am told. I don't have much money. My family is on limited income and I am a broke college student. Any advice would be more than helpful!

The car will run for a little bit before it eventually shuts off again. Seems to be 5-10 minutes max!
Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 3:08 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,702 POSTS
Did you replace the pump with an AC Delco unit? if not this can be your problem also does the pump get 12 volts? I would replace the relay and check for 12 volts at the grey wire by the tank. here is a guide to help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

If you are getting 12 volts lets replace the pump this guide will help walk you through with instructions for your car in the diagrams below. Check out the diagrams (below). Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 8:03 PM

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