A working fuel pump usually makes a brief whirring sound from in or near the tank when the ignition is turned on; a failed pump is typically silent. As a check, have someone crank the engine while you firmly tap the middle of the tank with a rubber mallet without puncturing it. If that restores operation, replace the pump promptly and do not repeat the tap more than a few times.
The owner of a 1998 GMC Jimmy with 130,000 miles asked how to tell if the fuel pump has failed and what sound it makes. The expert said a bad pump usually makes no noise, while a working pump whirrs near the tank at key-on. They suggested tapping the tank with a rubber mallet while cranking and replacing the pump soon if that gets it running.
