On 06/15/2012 09:27 AM, John M. wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> My car has about 375,000 mile on it. Around 200 the relay was
> resoldered and it worked fine. Somewhere around 300 (very loose
> estimate) it started acting up again so I bought and installed an
> aftermarket relay. Around this same time I had to replace the fuel
> pump (which gave me plenty of warning of imminent failure).
>
> Just recently it started acting up again but it's a little different
> this time. One day after work about a month ago (Florida = warm
> weather), with the car parked outside, it wouldn't start after a try
> or two. Then on the third it did. This wasn't a 10 minute wait but
> only a few. It happened again a few times within the next week. Once
> while I was getting ready to go to work it happened.
>
> I resoldered the aftermarket relay and it was still acting up. I
> still had the original relay so I tried resoldering and installing
> it......still acting up. I then (foolishly?) bought and installed a
> new pump. Damn!
>
> Sometimes it fails and then on the 'next' crank it start rights up.
> Other times I turn the key, I don't hear the pump, and after a few
> seconds without touching the key I do hear it and it will then start.
> Right now it's in a no start mode and I'm hoping it will start soon.
>
> So, I've done a little reading in my archives of this newsgroup and
> have come to two possibilities. The ground for the fuel pump or maybe
> the ignition switch. Just to note: Once started it does not stall (so
> far).
>
> Upon further reading on the web as I write this: maybe the ecu?
>
> Any other ideas?

sure - in addition to the ignition switch, there's a switch on the
transmission gear selector. these things are terrible for gumming up
over time and poor contact being made. remove, clean off with solvent,
then re-grease and reassemble.

but also check the ignition switch. if your keyring has a bunch of junk
on it, it can hold the key cylinder slightly out of position and affect
the electrical contacts, particularly if this has been going on for a while.


>
> Also, I just threw my back out and can't do a lot of digging around.
> Does anybody know where the ground for the pump is on this particular
> year?

there's a bunch of grounds for this circuit. the one for the pump is
visible when you take the rear seat out. the ones near the relay are
under the dash.


> (Upon further reading I think it's on the thermostat housing -
> cleaned and still no start)
>
> I hope I haven't left anything out.
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> John M.

get a meter and watch what happens to the electrical input to the pump
when switched and relayed. work back from there.

but check out the transmission selector and ignition switches too. it's
worth working on both of them because they get gummed up at around your
age of vehicle anyway.


--
fact check required