No start! fuel pump?

[JedenMal]

car has had starting problems since day one - but today refused to start.

before I would turn key to start.. cranking for a few seconds, no catch, but when i released it a bit I would hear the fuel pump click on for a moment BUZZZZ then I would turn it off, then back to start and the car would catch.

today - nothing no buzz from fuel pump whatseover...

could it be the relay itself or the fuel pump? how easy is it to replace fuel pump - got any PICS / DIY links?

thx!

[briano1234]

Year make and model would be really nice to know. If you place that information in your profile then you won't get bugged about it again.

[rabbitnothopper]

Year make and model would be really nice to know. If you place that information in your profile then you won't get bugged about it again.

throwing a limb out there, this is a mk1 CIS...

so basically the fuel pump is under the passenger rear tire

yes you should hear the pump "prime" when you turn the key to "on"
after that you wont really hear it

you can try turning the key off then on a several times
it should normally prime every time
it can prime 1,2,3,4 or even 5 times depending how the pressure builds up

if you turn they key one day and it fails to prime and it wont catch then start by

go to the pump, pull the boots off,, check the wire nuts make sure they are ok, check the wires
if you are in a hurry and just want it to start id try banging the box a little to loosen the pump

yes its probally time to start thinking about replacing it soon, your pump is dying
it is an electric motor and they do not last forever

[tolusina]

So far, this one sounds like an ignition switch to me.
Do the instrument panel warning lights (battery and oil) come on with the key on, engine off, then stay on while cranking? They should.

[YJSAABMAN]

So far, this one sounds like an ignition switch to me.
Do the instrument panel warning lights (battery and oil) come on with the key on, engine off, then stay on while cranking? They should.

I'm with Ron. If it you hear it run with the key cycling through a certain spot, I'm thinking worn ignition switch. Next step is to remove the fuel pump relay and jumper it and see if the pump runs and the car starts. If so, this is your most likely culprit.

[JedenMal]

sorry guys - 88 cabrio north american spec, auto trans

yes instrument panel lights come on ..

which pins do I jump to test fuel pump?

to access the pump , do I jack up car then? or is it via the trunk?

thanks!

[Beetle.freak]

Get on Cabby-info.com and locate your fuel pump relay via the fuse panel pics and to explain the fuel pump relay "jumpering process"...to get you started, reach under the dash and place a finger on it (fuel pump relay) as you turn the key to see if you can feel it actuate(click) ? The in tank pump is under the acess panel under the base of the back seat base....outter pump is in front of the p-side rear wheel and up underneath

[Dtullyjr]

05-07-2012 10:48 AM #7 Get on Cabby-info.com and locate your fuel pump relay via the fuse panel pics and to explain the fuel pump relay "jumpering process"...to get you started, reach under the dash and place a finger on it (fuel pump relay) as you turn the key to see if you can feel it actuate(click) ? The in tank pump is under the acess panel under the base of the back seat base....outter pump is in front of the p-side rear wheel and up underneath

This. Same thing happened to mine last year. Did the jumper test and sure enough bad relay. Good Luck.