New fuel pump still wont start

[redlobster]

Hi im new to this forum...have had festiva 7 years now no major issues.... untill now... long story short i can start with starting fluid... if i keep the gas held down it will stay running... fuel pump does not start... so i put in a new one... same deal... checked the inertia switch its good and the fuses are good whats my next step? Relay? I just dont want to go buying a $53 relay and wait a week if thats not the issue any help would be great!

[FestYboy]

Turn key on, hold the vaf door open with something, test fuel pump for power and ground at the harness connector. If there is no power, continue up the harness till there is. Holding the VAF door open triggers the fuel pump relay. You can also command the pump to run with the test plug at the driver strut tower (T shaped 2 pin connector)

[Eaglefreek]

If it stays running with your foot on the pedal, then the fuel pump is working. If the fuel pump wasn't working, it would stall as soon as the starting fluid was burnt up. Have you tested your fuel pressure? I had an issue when I installed a new one where it would barely run and the pump wasn't seated correctly allowing fuel to bypass and go right back in the tank.

[Greywolf]

This is why you need a fuel pressure test set. They don't cost much and can tell you a lot.

If fuel pressure is off - the injectors will not "SQUIRT" the correct amount, and for one thing can cause a lean burn condition that will kill an engine over time.

Another major problem is dirty injectors that will not flow like they have to. Time for some injector cleaner, I would say - and never buy cheap gas!

Thirdly, get rid of your old fuel filter. Replace it with a new one that you can be sure won't block off flow.

AN OBVIOUS observation to me at least, is that if you can get it to run with starting fluid or whatever, there is nothing wrong with your ignition system. So the problem is DEFINITELY FUEL

If you can - you should run a compression test on it just to make sure you aren't losing compression from failing ring seals.

[shadetree]

53 dollars .. heck I got about 300 bucks in my spare relay box then .

[Click_It]

Redlobster, probably a stupid question, I assume your car is fuel injected?

I only ask because I replaced my dead mechanical fuel pump last week but my car is carb'd so I can't offer any useful advice to you if fuel injected.

[redlobster]

Hello sorry for the wait.... changed relay and have power to the new pump for sure yet pump makes no noise at all so i assume bad pump?.... i only replaced the pump motor itself nothing else

[william]

You are testing as festyboy said, correct?
The pump won't run with just the key turned on like most cars.
I would try testing your old pump and reinstalling it if it's good. I've gotten cheap aftermarket parts that are bad right out of the box. It may have been the relay all along.

[redlobster]

VAF?... sorry im not sure what that is and i can reinstall old pump tomorrow for testing but i get power thru harness only for a few sec after key is on

[william]

It's the black and silver box that sits on top of your air filter.

[redlobster]

Ah icic okay thanks i will do this tomorrow along with the old pump and get back with you guys thanks

[redlobster]

Good morning everyone... update on festiva.... fuel pump works... what i have done.... replaced fuel pump and relay also filter... now nothing.... so i had now replaced plugs, wires, coil pack, distibutor cap and rotor... no start... used an inline spark test... and it does not light up im lost here.... help is greatly appreciated it turns over with no firing...

[WmWatt]

Ignition control module?

[redlobster]

Hello everyone! .... sorry for the long time gone... issue with the car was bad distributor believe it or not... car is back on the road running excellent!!!

[monkeykiller1996]

Hello everyone! .... sorry for the long time gone... issue with the car was bad distributor believe it or not... car is back on the road running excellent!!!

thats good to hear