My girlfriend's car didn't crank today. She said it's been having problems in the last week or two starting within the initial cranks. The starter is working, the engine is turning over, and I believe it's just not getting any fuel.

How would I verify that this is the problem?
Fuel pumps sold locally at auto parts stores are quite expensive(Bosch and Airtek), but I found a place online that is about half the cost with good reviews(OEM part). The problem with ordering it online is that it wouldn't arrive until Tuesday sometime so getting a hold of one before then would be beneficial. Would a dealer carry something like this in stock? Would a salvage yard be a viable option?

Thanks.

10/7/2011 9:03:57 PM

If it's the fuel pump...then no, a salvage yard is a bad idea. Get it new. If you have to wait, so be it, if you want to save moneys. Otherwise, pay.

Have you checked to see if the pump cycles on when turning the key? have you jumped the fuel pump relay to see if you have pump operation when you normally don't?

You do know you have to pull the tank to replace the pump, right? Unless it has an access panel; some do.

10/7/2011 11:37:20 PM

Try rockauto.com. Won't help you in the "getting it fast" department but I was able to find one there for about half the price any of the local parts houses charge.

(I just went through this on my gf's '00 Olds Alero a few weeks ago. Ended up replacing the pump and the relay. Dan (zxappeal) took care of the install for me, highly recommended.)

10/8/2011 11:25:46 AM

Quote :

"Have you checked to see if the pump cycles on when turning the key?"

We didn't get to try that last night. We left it in a parking lot. We came back this morning and I listened for it. It cycled and started up no problem. We drove a few miles, turned it off, let it sit for a few mins, then listened for the cycle again. The fuel pump ran and the car started.

Quote :

"have you jumped the fuel pump relay to see if you have pump operation when you normally don't?"

I did not. I did, however, check the relay for burns/bad connection. It's clean.

Quote :

"You do know you have to pull the tank to replace the pump, right? Unless it has an access panel; some do."

We're lucky that there is an access panel.

Thanks for the responses from both of you two.

[Edited on October 8, 2011 at 11:26 AM. Reason : -]

10/8/2011 11:26:08 AM