Fuel system problem?
Hi guys hows it going, sorry to ask a question for my first post but I really need to get this car working again so I can get to work and that.
Its a 97 VS wagon and the problem is every now and then it wont start then I bang on the bottom of the fuel tank with my open palm and squeeze the pipes under the bonnet a bit then after a while it usually starts.
I'm assuming this is one of the fuel filters blocked or maybe the fuel pump on its way out? So I need to know how many fuel filters there are where they are and how to get to them. Also I know very little about cars...should I just go to a mechanic?
cheers
Cars cost too much.
There should only be one fuel filter I think.
It's under the car.
Should be a silvery gold.
Very easy to change.
Doesn't drive like this
Nearly 100% sure it is the pump, mechanic told me once banging on the bottom of the tank will get it going if you are in trouble, but it will eventually fail completely. It isn't that difficult to change, but if you aren't confident go to a mechanic. Should cost you no more than $100 for the pump and an hours labour.
Cars cost too much.
Or invest in a manual to help you out.
VR Buicks > You ;)
If you can hear the pump for around 2 seconds when the ignition key is turned to on,(not start),then the pump is working,its when you can't hear it that banging on the tank can get it going.The filter is usually in front of the fuel tank under the car,you have to remove the fuel pump relay under the bonnet near the fuses while the engine is idling,to drop the residual pressure in the fuel system.When you pull the relay,the engine will stall,then its all ok to remove the filter.Also remember that if you turn the key to the on position,and the pump runs ,that the fuel pump wont start again if the key is turned to off ,then back on again straight away,you have to wait about 15 seconds ,then turn the key back to on,then the pump will run again for another 2 seconds.
Cars cost too much.
Haha, my mate didnt do that when he replaced mine. :S
If removing the relay is what you are talking about,It saves getting fuel sprayed everywhere,stuff burning the car to the ground.Also have you ever had petrol in your ears or eyes. I have seen it happen a couple times to people who wont listen, and just remove the filter.
Cars cost too much.
Well, he was removing it, nothing happened though... But next time I change my filter im doing it that way. :S
If no fuel comes out at all when you change the filter then theres no residual pressure . Id be checking the fuel pressure regulator and also maybe for a leaky injector.Mine still has a tiny bit of pressure left, even when I remove the relay.
Ok I got the workshop manual just then, and Ive found the fuel filter looks really simple to remove. Hopefully its just that not the pump, I'll get under it now and listen while someone starts it.
What do you mean by 'check your current codes and log' is there a tester I could get to plug into the computer to see whats wrong?
Cars cost too much.
Should be able to hear the pump yourself when you turn the key.
There's a code testing thread for VR/VS's.
I'll check them soon Brett.
yeah the fuel pump is definately going, it stays on like 5 secs after you turn the key off. I guess I need to change this fuel filter then...
Donating Member
That doesn't sound like the fuel pump - it should run for 2 seconds when you turn the key to ignition....turn it off and there should be no sound except for the auto aerial going down.Originally Posted by WATTO123
I'd do the code test as mentioned before as it sounds more ignition related if your post (above) is correct.
Wait what I meant to say is that the pump stays on 5 seconds after the car cuts out, I can't actually get it to start at all know it just runs for a few seconds then cuts out, maybe thats why the fuel pump continues run for 5 seconds because the car has cut out without me turning the key off?
I think that if the engine stalls, then the fuel pump will be shut down too.Its a safety feature so that if the fuel line breaks somewhere,and the engine stops,the pump wont keep pumping fuel if the key is left in the on position.So what its doing,shutting down 5 seconds after the engine has died is probably normal.
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