1998 Dodge Stratus

RUBYS_ANGEL123

MEMBER
1998 DODGE STRATUS

1998 Dodge Stratus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

i replaced the fuel pump and the fuel filter. The car acts like it wants to start but doesn't. What else could be causing this?

caradiodoc, thank you so much for your input, sorry it has taken so long to reply. It turned out to be air in the fuel line. But now I have another problem. Sometimes when I go to start the car, it acts like it has blown the #20 amp fuse, but it hasn't. I thought maybe I had ran my battery down trying to deal with the fuel pump. I hooked it up to a battery charger, it showed over half charge on the battery. When I turned the key everything powered down and the battery almost went completely dead. I think it might be the starter trying to go out. If you have any input on this matter or if someone else has any input on this it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again caradiodoc for the previous help.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,916 POSTS

Did it start before you replaced the pump? If it did, why did you replace the pump? If it didn't, why did you replace the pump? Have someone listen by the tank or fill cap. You should hear the pump run for 1 - 2 seconds when you turn the ignition switch to "Run". It won't run again until the engine is rotating, (cranking or running).

Did you measure the fuel pressure? If it's low but you can hear the pump run, bypass the fuel pump relay to run the pump for 15 - 20 seconds. This will fill the reservoir in the pump housing that the pickup draws fuel from. You should hear a hissing from the fuel pressure regulator on the fuel rail.

If the pump never runs, you have a fuse, relay, or wiring problem. If it runs for the initial two seconds, but not during cranking, check the camshaft position sensor.

Caradiodoc