Fuel pump not working

Tiny
SANDERSJH
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 SATURN L300
Engine Mechanical problem 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 66,000 miles

engine will not turn over. Battery is fine. Can't hear fuel pump running. What is approx. Cost to repair?
Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 8:26 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hello,

Okay, so the engine is cranking and just not firing.

You are suspecting a faulty fuel pump because you can't hear the pump, correct? The fuel pump will only kick in for 3-4 seconds after turning the key in the ignition (without cranking engine). If you can't hear it kick in when you do this (usually an assitant can help hear it while you turn key) then your diagnosis is probably correct. That is taken that you have already checked the fuses, which we have already done.

If you do, however, hear the pump then you will need to test the pressure at the fuel rail with a fuel pressure gauge. If pressure is good, you may need to switch to checking out the spark on the vehicle. (Good spark at plugs, etc.)

You want to check the fuel pump fuse and relay to see if the pump is getting power and if so the pump will be bad and needs to be replaced. Here are guides to help us get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Here are the wiring diagrams and fuse with relay locations to help make the job easier.

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Friday, January 9th, 2009 AT 8:29 PM
Tiny
SANDERSJH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
These diagrams are great! I followed them and found out the fuel pump is bad what do I do now? It does not click. It's like the engine wants to start, but won't. It seems as if there is no gas getting to the engine. Thank you so much for all your help & patience.
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 8:46 AM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
You are suspecting a faulty fuel pump because you can't hear the pump, correct? The fuel pump will only kick in for 3-4 seconds after turning the key in the ignition (without cranking engine). If you can't hear it kick in when you do this (usually an assistant can help hear it while you turn key) then your diagnosis is probably correct. That is taken that you have already checked the fuses, which we have already done.

If you do, however, hear the pump then you will need to test the pressure at the fuel rail with a fuel pressure gauge. If pressure is good, you may need to switch to checking out the spark on the vehicle. (Good spark at plugs, etc.)

While you are checking the relay, be sure to check all of the fuses as well. You can use a meter and test without removing the fuse, or you will have to remove each fuse and visually inspect as best you can.

I looked through my sources for the location of your inertia switch ( also known as the fuel pump cut-off switch) and it does not seem like your vehicle is equipped with this safety feature. You can call your local Saturn dealer and ask them to confirm this for you.

Your fuel pump is located in the fuel tank

This guide will give you an idea of what you are in for doing the job

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-an-electric-fuel-pump

Here are diagrams (below) to help you see how to do the job on your car

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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 12:30 PM
Tiny
SANDERSJH
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Again thanks you so much I followed these diagrams and it worked! The fuel pump has bad which I got from Amazon for cheap. The car is running great, the site rocks!
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 3:22 PM
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers
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Saturday, January 10th, 2009 AT 3:26 PM

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