Fuel pump not turning on with ignition

**Kracka** · 10-18-2006

1992 Plymouth Laser AWD, stock.

Here is my problem:

When I turn my key to the "ON" position the fuel pump does not turn on and charge the fuel system like it should. I have tried 3 different MPI relays so I've ruled that out as being the problem.

tjg · 10-18-2006

Are you getting spark?

**Kracka** · 10-18-2006

Whoops, let me clarify

The fuel pump turns on and runs normally once the engine is cranked over and is running. When you turn the ignition to "ON" before actually trying to start the car the fuel pump is supposed to kick on for a second to preasurize the system.

Another question: There are 3 solenoids on the firewall driver's side. Which is the fuel preasure soleoid, center or closest to driver's side?

YiNYaNg · 10-18-2006

the one closest to the driver side

the green dot one

**v8klla** · 10-18-2006

There is an actual piece within the pump itself which could be bad, I can't remember what it's called off the top of my head...Insulator maybe? Same thing happened on an SRT-4 we had in here, had to have the pump replaced by Walbro.

**Kracka** · 10-18-2006

Alright, I actually have a used factory pump I'll toss in and see if that helps. Right now it has some OEM parts store pump.

twack · 10-18-2006

I hope its not the one i sent you cause that one was working

Jakey · 10-19-2006

Is the fuel pump drawing current when the key switch is on?

**Kracka** · 10-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by twack

I hope its not the one i sent you cause that one was working

Nope, I still need to install yours to see if it cures the problem.

**Goat Blower** · 10-19-2006

If it works while the car is running, it's not the fuel pump.

You swapped out the large MPI relay under the stereo, right? Check the wiring to the MPI relay and see if you're getting a signal from the ignition. You might have a bad wire between the two or a bad ignition switch.

**Kracka** · 10-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by Goat Blower

You swapped out the large MPI relay under the stereo, right? Check the wiring to the MPI relay and see if you're getting a signal from the ignition. You might have a bad wire between the two or a bad ignition switch.

Yes, that is the relay I swapped out. Stupid DSM's. Whats the best way to check for a signal?

A//// Guy · 10-19-2006

The power wire will be hot when the key is turned to the on position. I would also check to see if the power wire on the pump is hot when the key is "on," compared to when you start the car. I have a test light we can use...

**Kracka** · 10-19-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by M/// Guy

I have a test light we can use...

Cool, I think I have one somewhere too. Want to swap that pump this Sunday if we have time and/or aren't too hungover?

FattyBoomBatty · 10-19-2006

That part v8killa was thinking about - would that be the check valve? I thought all/most pumps had this unit.

**Goat Blower** · 10-20-2006

Quote:

Originally Posted by FattyBoomBatty

That part v8killa was thinking about - would that be the check valve? I thought all/most pumps had this unit.

That only is there to keep some fuel pressure in the line when the car is off and keep the gas from draining back into the tank. It doesn't do anything for the initial priming of the pump before starting.

**Goat Blower** · 10-20-2006

The black/red wire comes from the ignition the the MPI relay, check that one for voltage when testing the ignition. The black/green wire goes from the relay to the fuel pump.

**Kracka** · 10-20-2006

Thanks for the info Steve!

**Halon** · 10-20-2006

Chris, I went through this back when I was trying to figure out why my car wouldn't start. Steve on Tuners (the guy who ended up fixing my ECU since that was my problem), told me that 1g's do not usually charge the fuel system when you turn the key. 2g's do, but 1g's ECU works differently. I'll try to link you to the thread where he told me this. Pretty sure he knows what he's talking about too.

**Halon** · 10-20-2006

http://www.dsmstyle.com/forums/showt...arting+problem

There's my thread on here about my problem. Post number #37 has the link to my thread in Tuners, where Steve said that 1g's only pressurize the system when the key is turned to the START possition, not the ON possition. Are you having some kind of problem? Just curious why you're concerned about this.

**Kracka** · 10-20-2006

Thanks Captain-B, I'll have to read those threads. My car is just cranking longer before starting than I'd like.