Will not start, fuel pump not getting power

Tiny
DIMSTAR
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 MERCURY COUGAR
  • 4.8L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
After replacing the fuel pump I find that the fuel pump is not getting power. When you turn the ignition to start the car the voltage at the connection to the pump drops off and wont run. What would make the power to the pump cut out when I turn the key?
Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 12:31 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good afternoon,

When you turn the key to the on position, the pump will run for 3 seconds. When you crank it the pump should have power until you stop cranking. Then it will have no power again until you crank it.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Did you check for spark to the plugs while cranking?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Did you check compression?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Check for power to the inertia switch in the trunk on the left side.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 2:24 PM
Tiny
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I have spark as the car starts fine with a little starting fluid but no power at the pump when I crank it. I know the fuel pump is good as it was tested by jumping it off the battery (brand new pump) and I checked the inertia switch and it is working correctly. I have not checked compression. Would a bad crank sensor or cam sensor possibly be a reason for no power to the fuel pump?
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Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 2:50 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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If you use starter fluid, it starts on its own and runs fine? Is that what you just stated?

If it is, it could be the ECM as it controls the operation of the pump through the relay on the radiator shroud.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 2:56 PM
Tiny
DIMSTAR
  • MEMBER
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Yes, it will start up and runs but wont keep running because its not getting fuel. Please forgive me if I am not explaining the problem correctly. Here is the background story on the car(real quick): I bought the car but could not travel to pick it up so the seller drove it to me (30 miles) and he parked it in my driveway. I go out check the car over real quick, then start it up with no problems and move it to the side of my house. It has not started since then (except with spraying a little starter fluid first). So I checked fuses (fine), the inertia switch (fine) and checked fuel pressure(no pressure)(could not hear pump run). Changed out the fuel pump and found out after that I am not getting power to the pump. I am not great at diagnosing problems (especially electrical) but changing parts out is usually not a problem. I only paid $500.00 for the car and want to avoid putting too much money into fixing it. I am hoping for an easy answer, Lol! I did buy a new battery.
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Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 3:55 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, check the voltage at the inertia switch as in the diagram I sent to you. You should have the power there for 2 seconds with the key on. If you do not the control on the radiator shroud is most likely the issue.

Roy
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Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 AT 4:31 PM
Tiny
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Okay, thank you. I truly appreciate your help.
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 3:14 PM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You are welcome.

Always glad to help.

Roy
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Thursday, January 16th, 2020 AT 3:38 PM

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