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Possible fuel pump problem


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Nofomg
Anonymous Poster
Nofomg@hotmail.com

May 27, 2009, 7:57 AM

Post #1 of 7 (2541 views)
post icon Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

1999 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2L SFI OHV 4cyl
mileage: About 150000

I was driving my car and i was stopped at a red light. when i started going the car lost power and would only go 10-15 mph with the accelerator fully depressed and was continuing to slow even with it all the way down. i pulled off to the side and shut the car off. i tried to turn it back on and it would crank but not turn over the alternator and battery are brand new. When the tow truck arrived the driver looked it over, tried the keys himself and said it looks like a fuel pump problem. when he said that, it hit me that the car had run out of gas the day before. my gas gauge doesn't work and i thought i could make it to the nearest gas station but i didn't. it was running kinda crappy before the car ran out of gas too. it would accelerate up to about 20-25 fine then after that it would lag and slowly climb higher and then it would be ok after about 45mph but still not as peppy as before. Anyway back to the question is it possible its just a bad fuel filter instead of a bad fuel pump. i know i have a bunch of problems but if i could just get it started i can eventually fix all the other problems. (I'll be doing all the repairs myself, not taking it to a garage so if you have any answers keep that in mind)


autojoe
User

May 27, 2009, 8:38 AM

Post #2 of 7 (2531 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

yes it very well could.The first thing to do is remove fuel filter and pour into clear container and see if dirt in small amount of fuel and then try to blow through filter in the direction of fuel flow.Should be an arrow on filter showing fuel flow from pump/tank to fuel rail injectors.If hard to blow through with arrow then possible bad filter.I would replace anyway.Spray some carb cleaner into intake throttle body and see if car tries to start or starts and stalls.If it does it is a fuel related issue.


autojoe
User

May 27, 2009, 8:40 AM

Post #3 of 7 (2530 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

a fuel pressure test would be nice to do but if dont have fuel pressure gauges then would have to buy.


Nofomg
Anonymous Poster
Nofomg@hotmail.com

May 27, 2009, 10:03 AM

Post #4 of 7 (2526 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

Ok thanks, I'll replace the fuel filter this weekend and if it doesn't work after that ill be back with more questions. one more thing, i cant find anything about the Quick Connect fuel fittings. in one guide on "how to replace the fuel filter" it says it has these quick connect fuel fittings and i need a special tool to remove them. When i search for it on google i cant find any such tool. i read on some forums that they can be removed with needle nose pliers or something like that. is there some other way to get them off or do i need that tool?

thanks for you help


autojoe
User

May 27, 2009, 11:23 AM

Post #5 of 7 (2517 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

remove the quick connect fitting by pushing inward toward the fuel filter and grasping the plastic tabs around the connector and pull apart.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

May 27, 2009, 11:47 AM

Post #6 of 7 (2516 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

I wouldn't get my hopes up too much on the filter curing anything. It's a high flow filter and although it can contribute to a fuel pump failure if it has too much resistance, it is rarely the sole cause of a "no start". Running out of fuel was the most likely contribution to a fuel pump failure. The pump is both lubricated and cooled by the fuel and when run low, it pumps aerated fuel which overheats the pump.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on May 27, 2009, 11:47 AM)


autojoe
User

May 27, 2009, 2:34 PM

Post #7 of 7 (2509 views)
Re: Possible fuel pump problem Sign In

the thing with running on low fuel all the time like hammer said is correct because the fuel cools the pump and extends pump life but also all the dirt in the bottom of the tank doesn't help either.sometimes the filter or and sock in tank are restricted.You can't exclude filter.......it is always a possibility and the cheapest and also is a normal replacement maintainence item anyway.






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