Hi,

Occasionally, my '91 fails to start on the first try. I then cycle the key from off-to-power-on several times, and then it starts. It does not seem to be temperature dependent.

An intermittent fuel relay problem?

I can't hear the darn fuel pump even when I know it is working (that part of my hearing is gone). Suggestions?

Maybe remove the back seat to better hear the pump? Maybe rig an indicator light to the fuel pump wiring?

Thanks,

Roy

 

You can wire up a test light to see if the main relay supplying power to the fuel pump. In the trunk of the car near the back seat there is an electricial connector with three wires. You want to back-probe the yellow wire, then connect a test light between that wire and ground. There is a ground bolt nearby that that has a black wire going to it.

That sound of the fuel pump is a faint electrical buzzing/whirling sound. If you have an assistant, you can have them turn the key to the II position, but not try to start the car. Take off the gas cap and put your ear up to where you fill up the gas tank to listen for the pump.

 

Thanks PA,

With the engine not running and the key on, the fuel pump should run all the time?

I seem to remember reading something about the pump coming on for just a bit after the key is turned on, then the pump turning off and staying off until the motor is started.

Roy

 

The pump will only turn on for about two seconds to build up fuel pressure in the system. This happens when the check engine light turns on for the bulb check.

 

Yeah, only for 2 seconds when you first turn the key ON. Then it runs again WHILE the starter is cranking.

 

Check engine light should go Off simultaneously w/ fuel pump stopping. If light comes on/goes off but no fuel pump sound is detected, the pump may be sticking/failing to start.

I had this action on 94 Accord and found like you that "hammering" the pump w/ repeated on/off/on/off.. of the keyswitch, the pump would eventually start (detected by sound).

good luck

 

Sometimes a bad pump can be made to run by hitting your fist on the underside of the fuel tank. A bad main relay will not respond to that.

 

Thanks guys. I will get back and let you know what I find.

Keep in mind that this is a once-in-a-while problem. I have decided--yes, this may seem strange--to wire in a buzzer so I can hear when the fuel pump is powered. I ordered the buzzer though the mail and it will be a while getting here.

Roy

 

Roy,
Make sure you put a toggle or something on that buzzer so you can turn it off when you want. I've been chasing an issue on an 89 for a while. My youngest son has a light wired to his fuel pump but I put in a "cut off" so he can drive at night without having the "new" fuel pump light on.....make sense? I've told him that if and when it acts up again to turn on the switch and the light should be on.....did that 3~4 months ago and of course the car has been fine since.....I understand your frustration.

 

Poorman,

Thanks. Nice to hear someone else has reached a similar solution. I plan to have a buzzer cut-off switch as well as a rheostat so I can control how loud the buzzer is.

R.