What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump in a Pontiac Sunfire?

Here are the most common symptoms of a bad fuel pump in your Pontiac Sunfire: One of the most common signs that a fuel pump is going bad is a whining sound. The whining sound can indicate that the fuel pump is going out before there are any performance based issues. Keeping an open ear can save you from getting stuck somewhere with a bad fuel pump.

What does a bad fuel pump sound like?

A priming fuel pump sounds like a high-pitched whine for a few seconds and can be heard with a sharp engine right after the ignition key is turned, but before the starter is engaged. The symptoms of a bad fuel pump match a lot of other common problems that can occur in the Pontiac Sunfire.

Where is the fuel pump on a Pontiac Grand Am?

Check in the engine compartment fuse box, it should be near the battery under the hood. The cover should be pretty easy to remove. The fuel pump should be connected through a fuse in slot 48. If that fuse looks good, then you may want to check the fuel pump relay (also inside the engine compartment fuse box).

Why is the fuel pump in the fuel tank?

It is in the fuel tank because “pushing” fuel to the fuel rail is easier than “pulling” the fuel, which is what an inline pump would do. While being in the fuel tank makes the pump more reliable, it also makes it a lot more difficult to get to.

What happens when the fuel pump goes out on a Pontiac Sunfire?

There are physical signs that you can feel when your Sunfire’s fuel pump is going out. Before taking anything apart, check to see if your engine’s computer has any trouble codes saved in it. The engine may throw a P0087 trouble code. This trouble code detects that the fuel rail/system pressure is too low.

Where does the fuel pump go in a car?

In modern fuel injected vehicles, the fuel pump sits right in the fuel tank and “pushes” the gasoline to the fuel rail (s). It is in the fuel tank because “pushing” fuel to the fuel rail is easier than “pulling” the fuel, which is what an inline pump would do.

How can I check the pressure on my fuel pump?

Attach the fuel pressure gauge at the fuel rail test port. Cycle the key on and off a few times and watch the pressure should go up to specifications and not drop for a long time or more than ten minutes before any drop of more than 1 or 2 psi is seen.

How to test the fuel pump in a mini van?

This is due to the fact that GM has included a Schrader valve on the fuel rail to which you and I can attach a fuel pressure gauge to. Using a fuel pressure gauge to make sure that enough fuel is reaching the fuel injectors is the most accurate way to diagnose the fuel pump in your car or mini-van.

When to know if your fuel pump is bad?

If your car isn’t starting at all, and you hear the fuel pump prime that is usually a good indication that the pump is working to some capacity. Testing your Sunfire’s fuel pressure on each side of the pump would be the best way to diagnose this problem.

How to test fuel pressure on a Chevy S10?

Here is how to perform a pressure test at the fuel rail. This test can be done to diagnose a number of things. Bad fuel pump, injectors, fuel lines, etc. I did this test on my 2.2 Chevy S10, but this will be the same with any vehicle with a valve already installed from the factory. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00…

What are the symptoms of a bad fuel pump in a Pontiac Sunfire?