89 will not start
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sterling Heights Michigan
89 will not start
My car broke down on the highway at midnight last saturday night in downtown Detroit. The throttle kept cutting out, and she pretty much just stalled, and refused to start. Since I can't really trust my fuel gage, I put a gallon of gas in it hoping that it was on empty. Unfortunately this wasnt the case.
The motor seems to crank fine, I put plenty of gas in it at this point so I know that isnt the problem, but it still isnt even close to starting. It wont even sputter. After trying to start the car several times, I just started turning on the ignition to listen for the fuel pump. When I do this all I hear is a slight delay and then a few quick clicks come from the rear of the vehicle.
Could a fuel pump relay cause this problem?
My car also has, or had, the cold start problem.
My next guess would be the pump.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
The motor seems to crank fine, I put plenty of gas in it at this point so I know that isnt the problem, but it still isnt even close to starting. It wont even sputter. After trying to start the car several times, I just started turning on the ignition to listen for the fuel pump. When I do this all I hear is a slight delay and then a few quick clicks come from the rear of the vehicle.
Could a fuel pump relay cause this problem?
My car also has, or had, the cold start problem.
My next guess would be the pump.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thanks!
Last edited by GunShow; Oct 14, 2005 at 08:22 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
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From: seattle WA
Doubt if it's the relay-because even if the relay was shot the fuel pump is energized after the oil pressure reaches 4 pounds-I suspect the fuel pump itself has taken a dump. There about a $100.including sock and there very easy to change, make sure you change the fuel filter at the same time. 
Last edited by rick lambert; Oct 14, 2005 at 09:14 AM.
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
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From: Sterling Heights Michigan
It is looking more and more to be the fuel pump. I tried checking the fuel pressure just to humor myself, but when I turn on the ignition I still don't hear that pleasant wurr of the fuel pump.
I was trying to further diagnose the fuel pump electric circuit. I checked the fuse in the lower right fuse panel which, according to the manual is labeled "FP" which I assumed to be fuel pump. The fuse was burnt out. I replaced it with a new one and it immediately burnt out when I urned on the ignition.
The only thing left to do to be extra sure is apply 12Volts to the fuel pump test circuit. Only problem is I don't know where that is. I couldnt find it in the book. Any ideas?
Also, the manual says you have to drop the tank to change the fuel pump. Which means taking off the exhaust and several other things in the rear. Is that all part of the "very easy to change" or is there a short cut that I am not aware of?
Thanks for the help!
I was trying to further diagnose the fuel pump electric circuit. I checked the fuse in the lower right fuse panel which, according to the manual is labeled "FP" which I assumed to be fuel pump. The fuse was burnt out. I replaced it with a new one and it immediately burnt out when I urned on the ignition.
The only thing left to do to be extra sure is apply 12Volts to the fuel pump test circuit. Only problem is I don't know where that is. I couldnt find it in the book. Any ideas?
Also, the manual says you have to drop the tank to change the fuel pump. Which means taking off the exhaust and several other things in the rear. Is that all part of the "very easy to change" or is there a short cut that I am not aware of?
Thanks for the help!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,297
Likes: 240
From: Summerland B.C. Canada
Fuel pump comes straight out the top so dropping it is not needed. If your blowing the fuel pump fuse could be because the pump is seized up and drawing too much current or there is a short. Have you looked at the fuel pump relay ? My wires to the connector had the insulation shrunk back leaving bare wires. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
lol, you don't mess with dropping the fuel tank-the fuel pump is removed simply, just remove the door accessing area where you fill your tank-make sure you disconnect your battery first, becareful removing the rubber seal and the fuel pump comes right out of the
area under the door where you fill up-on the fuse issue, probably a fuel pump related short since your vette won't start-but look at the wires feeding into the pump relay-over time the insulation shrinks back and bare wires are exposed-that was the case with mine-and I believe others have found the same condition. To test the fuel pump you can apply 12V to terminal G on the ALCL, terminal G is the lower left pin.
Don't know what manual you have-but if it told me to drop the tank for fuel pump R&R I'd put it in the trash. If you don't have the Helms-go get a Haynes (cheap) but it will guide you thru the process.
area under the door where you fill up-on the fuse issue, probably a fuel pump related short since your vette won't start-but look at the wires feeding into the pump relay-over time the insulation shrinks back and bare wires are exposed-that was the case with mine-and I believe others have found the same condition. To test the fuel pump you can apply 12V to terminal G on the ALCL, terminal G is the lower left pin.
Don't know what manual you have-but if it told me to drop the tank for fuel pump R&R I'd put it in the trash. If you don't have the Helms-go get a Haynes (cheap) but it will guide you thru the process.
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From: Summerland B.C. Canada
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From: Sterling Heights Michigan
Whew!
I am glad to hear I don't have to drop the tank!
I have the cheverolet manual. I would think that the manufacturer would at least know the best way to work on the cars!
I didn't have the error code "56" whcih I believe is for the fuel pump relay, but I will check it out anyway.
when the wires on the relay were exposed did you just replace the relay?
My gas gage seems is off by about a quarter tank also.
Isn't there some way of installing a fuel pump that affects this or a way to evaluate the sending unit?
Whats the cheapest place to get the fuel pump from?
I am glad to hear I don't have to drop the tank!
I have the cheverolet manual. I would think that the manufacturer would at least know the best way to work on the cars!
I didn't have the error code "56" whcih I believe is for the fuel pump relay, but I will check it out anyway.
when the wires on the relay were exposed did you just replace the relay?
My gas gage seems is off by about a quarter tank also.
Isn't there some way of installing a fuel pump that affects this or a way to evaluate the sending unit?
Whats the cheapest place to get the fuel pump from?
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Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Sterling Heights Michigan
By the way, Thanks a lot for the good directions!
was that from the Helms?
If so I can see what everyone is talking about with those manuals.
The chevy manual also told me that the fuel filter was in the wrong place. That was irritating.
was that from the Helms?
If so I can see what everyone is talking about with those manuals.
The chevy manual also told me that the fuel filter was in the wrong place. That was irritating.
