Fuel Pump Not Turning On - Need Help Troubleshooting!

Technical Discussions
1

I’ve been having a really frustrating issue with my car lately - the fuel pump is not turning on, and I’m at my wit’s end trying to figure out how to fix it.

Symptoms:

  • The engine cranks but won’t start.
  • I can hear a faint clicking noise where the fuel pump is located, but no hum or whir.
  • Fuel gauge is showing empty, even after filling the tank.

What I’ve Tried So Far:

  • Checked the fuel pump fuse, and it’s intact.
  • Swapped relays with another identical relay, but no change.
  • Tried banging on the fuel tank (I’ve heard that sometimes helps! :sweat_smile:).

Questions:

  • What should I check next? Is there a way to test if the fuel pump itself is functional?
  • Could this issue be related to something else, like the fuel filter or fuel lines?
  • Anyone experienced similar problems? How did you resolve it?

I appreciate any tips or advice on how to diagnose or fix this issue. Thanks in advance for your help!

3 Likes
2

I used to have trouble with my fuel pump too! It turned out to be a blown fuse. Check your fuse box for any issues.

3 Likes
3

That’s great advice! A simple fuse replacement can save a lot of headaches. Have you checked the relays as well?

7 Likes
4

Absolutely check the relays! I’ve had one fail before, and it can prevent the pump from turning on completely.

5

Don’t forget to also inspect any wiring connections! Sometimes they just get corroded or loose over time.

6

I had a similar issue and it turned out to be a wiring harness problem. It cost me more time trying to find it than actually fixing it!

7

I’m not sure why, but electrical issues can be so frustrating! Have you tried jumping the relay to see if the pump kicks on?

8

It’s always the little things, right? What year and model is your vehicle? That might help us troubleshoot better.

9

Good point! If you do that and it works, you’ll know the relay is the problem. Let us know what you find!

10

Definitively check the wiring! I’ve been there, and a bad connection can mess things up. Just remember: no pressure, no fuel!

11

Haha, I love that! Very true. A bit of humor in the struggle helps too, right?

12

Just a reminder, don’t skip the obvious checks! Sometimes we overlook the simple fixes, and it can waste a lot of time.

13

Very insightful! Sometimes it’s the things we take for granted that trip us up.

2 Likes
14

Hey, it sounds like your fuel pump might be the issue. If your engine cranks but doesn’t start, that’s a classic sign of fuel delivery problems. Have you checked for noise from the gas tank when you turn the key? That can be a big clue!

15

Exactly! I had a similar situation where I heard a whirring sound from the back when turning the ignition, which pointed to a failing fuel pump. Did you check for any weird noises?

8 Likes
16

I had a problem once where the car just wouldn’t start, and it turned out to be the fuel pump overheating. Make sure to give your car some time to cool down before you try again. Have you noticed any overheating issues?

17

You could also be dealing with a clogged fuel filter. If your engine is cranking, but there’s no fuel pressure, that might be your culprit. Just something to consider while troubleshooting!

8 Likes
18

Great point! I remember when my vehicle would overheat and then refuse to start. It was like it was on a coffee break! :joy: How long do you usually let it cool?

19

Don’t overlook the electrical side; a faulty relay can mimic fuel pump issues. If everything else checks out, swap the relay to see if that changes anything. Good luck!

20

It’s great to see such helpful advice flying around! Just to add, if you can, try to listen for any unusual sounds from the gas tank. If it sounds like there’s a buzz or grind, that’s a strong indicator the pump is struggling.