First you have to list the symptoms or problems, and any tests you performed, and the results.
Chrysler fuel filters typically last the life of the vehicle unless they rust out and start leaking. Chrysler fuel pumps most commonly fail to start up. When they do start running, it is extremely rare for them to fail while you're driving. By failing to start up, they leave you sitting in the driveway or parking lot. GM fuel pumps fail just the opposite. They almost always start up, then they slow down or stop running while you're driving, leaving you sitting on the side of the road.
The next step is to listen for the hum of the fuel pump. You should hear that for one second after you turn the ignition switch to "run". After that, it will turn off until the engine is rotating, (cranking or running). If it does not, the most likely cause is a problem with the crankshaft position sensor circuit or the camshaft position sensor circuit. The Engine Computer looks for signals from those two sensors, then it turns the automatic shutdown, (ASD) relay back on. That relay sends current to the injectors, ignition coil(s), oxygen sensor heaters, alternator field, and the fuel pump or pump relay, depending on the year and model.
Step three is to read and record any diagnostic fault codes. Chrysler made doing that yourself much easier than any other manufacturer. Cycle the ignition switch from "off" to "run" three times within five seconds, leave it in "run" then watch the code numbers appear in the odometer display. You can go here:
https://www.2carpros.com/trouble_codes/obd2
to see the definitions, or I can interpret them for you. Be aware diagnostic fault codes never say to replace a part or that one is bad. They only indicate the circuit or system that needs further diagnosis, or the unacceptable operating condition. When a sensor or other part is referenced in a fault code, it is actually the cause of that code about half of the time. First we have to rule out wiring and connector terminal problems, or mechanical problems associated with that part.
Also, the Engine Computer usually needs some time to detect a missing signal from the crankshaft or camshaft position sensors, as in when a stalled engine is coasting to a stop. A loss of signal may not be detected just by cranking the engine. For that reason, it is important to not disconnect the battery until the fault codes have been read. Doing so will erase those codes, then that valuable information will be lost. Many do-it-yourselfers incorrectly think disconnecting the battery to erase fault codes will fix something. In fact, that just adds to the problems. Along with the lost fault code(s), learned fuel trim data is also erased from memory. You'll usually not notice that, but it adds another variable when trying to diagnose problems by looking at the data on a scanner.
You may get a clue to a failed fuel pump by using a fuel pressure gauge to measure fuel pressure. If it is near 0 psi, the pump has not been running. At the mileage you listed, the pump itself is a good possibility, but there could also be a wiring problem associated with it. Check for spark while cranking the engine. If that is also missing, the defect pertains to the circuitry both the fuel pump and ignition coil(s) have in common. Loss of both accounts for about 95 percent of crank / no-starts. In this case, the fuel pump will still run for that initial one second when the ignition switch is turned on. That is enough to get fuel pressure up to normal.
If fuel pressure is real low, try banging on the bottom of the gas tank while a helper is cranking the engine. Most Chrysler pump failures involve worn brushes in the pump's motor. Jarring the gas tank often shakes the motor just enough to get it started. At that point it will continue to run until the engine is stopped. That failure-to-start will occur again, but it could take weeks to act up, or it could be the very next time you try to start the engine. The permanent solution is to replace the fuel pump.
Here's some more articles related to fuel pumps:
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-a-fuel-pump-works
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump
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Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 AT 2:49 PM
