Fuel pump advice

[snoop]

To all sifus all there,My e36 could't start at all and found out by mechanic it is fuel pump problem. He manage to get it started, but how can you tell whether it is relay or fuel pump problem? I ask him he said fuel pump problem. Hv't got it fix yet but still manage to start the car. So my question is if fuel pump problem do you think it is save to drive to mechanic and will not stall half way? Is it fuel pump or relay problem?I don't hv a consistant mechanic to service my car, but I know I hv been slaugter here n there cos i am lady vulnerable n gullible it may seems. Thanks in advance for any inputs.

 

[turbology]

Hv't got it fix yet but still manage to start the car.

So my question is if fuel pump problem do you think it is save to drive to mechanic and will not stall half way?

Is it fuel pump or relay problem?

I dont' know how you start the car if is fuel pump problem.
Is not save to drive to mechanic. Engine stalled at high speed is very dangerous for you safety.

 

[wan520i]

In my opinion, chances on fuel pump is very much higher than relay. When was the last time you changed the fuel pump? or never change it before?

It quite easy to trouble shoot the relay, if you can DIY...

And be prepare around RM350 - RM650 for the cost of a new fuel pump.

What did the mechanic say about your car battery?

 

[snoop]

Check battery ok. Saw the mec place the battery connect the front engine then he uses the test pen like to ignite at the relay and one of them try starting ok. So I was wondering if fuel pump is the problem it won't get started rite? It must be relay I guess. But he said it is fuel pump problem.

 

[jagmalhi]

having a problematic fuel pump does not mean your car wont be able to start,it'll still be able to start but on occasion will be very hard to start and requires many cranks. if you have problem starting the car, does it happen once the engine has been warmed up?meaning, does it start easy on a cold start and harder during the rest of the day?

if you've not replaced the fuel pump at all in like the last 10 years, then it'll be a good idea to replace it with a new one. for my e30 it was around RM750, your e36 should be less than 1k but it'll be money well spent!dont buy 2nd hand or recond,just spend the money on a brand new fuel pump.

 

[pussy]

ti's the relay... if the current was connected which bypassed the relay, the pump worked... if not, then the pump would not able to function... if the car started without the fuel was changed, it seams illogical ..

 

[snoop]

yeah, u're right pussy..i suppose it is the relay connector problem otherwise it cannot easily start if fuel pump is the culprit. He uses the test pen alike wire connecting the relay connector which then starts easily. Normally I can start the car easily but that day itself I restart after parking 10 mins thats the time problem occurs....

 

[snoop]

Will send my car tomorrow to another mec for second opinion. I think if fuel pump is really the problem I would't able to start at all..

 

[pussy]

that should be a good idea...

 

[turbology]

Here is something to try :

(from Service Manual, ch. 130-7 Fuel Injection)
The ECM(ECU) supplis power to the coil side of the fuel pump relay. During starting, the fuel pump runs as long as the ignition switch is in the start position and continues to run once the engine starts. If the relay is faulty the fuel pump will not run.

To test:
1. Remove fuel pump relay from its socket
2. With key off, check for the battery voltage at socket terminal 30.
3. With ignition key in start position, check for the battery voltage at terminal 86.
4. With ignition key, use digital multimeter to check for ground at terminal 85.

(i can't load the pic of the terminal. I have hardcopy only. Can someone send me PDF file ? )

5. If no faults are found up to this point, test fuel pump operation as described in "chapter Fuel Tank, and Fuel Pump".

OR,
simply borrow a relay from a nearby e36, plug it in, and try.
I would help if you are nearby.

Hope this help.

 

[snoop]

Thanks guys for all the possible inputs. Before I get it fix it works ever since that mec jump start for me. Send to mec for check up ...guess what it is not relay, fuel pump or connector problem..simply reset auto diagnotic (in the bill cost RM120) ...??puzzle??.....

 

[turbology]

LOL. I guess you need to send it to 3rd Mechanic.
You cannot just "if things fail, reset !"
Just like a computer, pressing RESET will only solve your problem temporary.

RM120 just for a reset ? ouch.

 

[snoop]

Dunno lah..some more recommended by my friend when I look at the bill i shake my head. To me they BS me or amateur mec jusk b'cos i m a lady. Things they do and said so illogical. Hv to wait till the same symptom return then only i know.

 

[Wlvrn]

mine just been replaced (fuel pump). with no warning the pump malfunction. Yes you could start the car but initially it will die-off (just like when the AFM or ICV problem). The mechanic drove the car to his workshop and the engine dies off more than 10 times but he managed to arrived safely. Upon checking with the diagnostic computer, the fuel pump error popped out. Replaced it with new (cost me rm650 + workmanship & breakdown charge rm180) now the car is running very smooth...i think smoother than before changing the pump.

 

[yusriyacob]

U Will Loosing Power When The Fuel Pump Is Showing Some Nasty Behavior...and Cant Start The Engine When The Pump Is Stuck And Need A Replacement Imediately....never Let Yur Fuel Tank Drained Up.....it Will Jamed The Pump.....

 

[snoop]

It is fuel pump problem alright.. stuck parallel park at subang and manage to drive to the nearest mechanic to change for RM 500 + 50 services.