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New fuel pump relay does not 'click'

2.4K views 6 replies 4 participants last post by  nitesafari  
#1 ·
Greetings,

I have a 1992 Safari 2WD. I replaced the fuel pump about a year ago. However, it's not starting again. It is getting spark, fuses are good. When I spray starter fluid into the carb it seems like it's going to start, then just turns.

Two things: I do not hear a click in the fuel pump relay, not even the new one I bought (even did the 9V battery test). I was wondering if that's typical of this model's relays?

2. I bought a 6-12 volt power tester to see if the relay harness was getting power (under the hood). It never lit up. Could this be a bad harness? Are there any other harness tests I could do before I dig into the fuel pump again?

Thanks so much for the help!!!
 
#2 ·
I'm not sure if this one is set up like this, but newer Vortecs have a switch built in to the oil pressure sensor.... Generally an output from the ECM/PCM triggers the relay to 'prime' max pressure for starting, then switches to a secondary circuit running through the oil pressure sensor. Check to make sure the trigger signal from the ignition module or ECM, whichever it may be, is getting to the relay. If that checks out, check the oil pressure sensor and wiring... Hope that helps!
 
#6 ·
You MUST have oil pressure while cranking, or no fuel... although I believe you should see an initial momentary pulse after first ignition.

Obviously, check all fuses first.. then on to the harder stuff.

If you are in a jam, you can actually supply 12v ignition power directly to the pump. A jumper in place of the relay could possibly do the trick.
 
#7 ·
Woohoo, got it running again! I ended up replacing the fuel pressure regulator, mainly because I needed the gasket for my old one, but had to buy everything else to get it. I figured it wouldn't hurt anything.

However, now I have another problem: When I turn on the lights, the engine dies! What in the world???