2001 Pontiac Sunfire - Fuel Pump Relay

JasonH

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Hi. I've got an '01 and I've exhausted all my knowledge, at wit's end to fix this thing.

Driving down the road and the power steering went out, lights came on as the car died. Pulled over and tried to restart. Engine will turn over, but never starts, like it's not getting fuel. Towed it home. Checked fuel pump fuse, it's good. Tried listening for fuel pump, could not hear it despite multiple attempts. Swapped air condition and fuel pump relay, still no results. Beat on the tank with a rubber hammer, then in a couple of, say, 5 tests of turning key on, was able to hear fuel pump turn on, but not consistently.

Bought new fuel pump and changed fuel pump. After changing, still will not start, same symptoms. Got a code reader but code reader could not connect with the computer, displayed "Link Error." Fuel Pump relay does not seem to be working, but I don't think it's the relay itself since as mentioned above we swapped with the air condition relay, which is the same relay - it's like the fuel pump relay is not even getting a command to fire. Tried disconnecting battery.

I have had in the past issue with theft code coming on, due to a remote starter we installed 7-8 years ago, but not sure if that's related to this. I do not get any theft light, but when you try starting it does come on, but goes off. No spark to spark plugs when turning engine over. After trying to start lights blink ten times and then Service Engine light comes on, but the service engine light been coming on due to a Daytime Running Lights sensor that I haven't gotten around to fixing.
 
Also, forgot to mention, we put about 5 gallons of gas back into the car, but the fuel gage isn't registering it.
 
You only mention the fuel pump fuse, have you checked all the others? The code reader not working could be a blown fuse or other electrical issue. It is possible you have a bad ignition switch or connection to the switch. The service engine light is there to tell you about issues, if you had an issue you ignore and then ignore when other issues occur you are looking for major problems.
 
I checked many of the other pertinent fuses, such as ignition.

If I had a bad ignition switch, wouldn't that stop the car from turning over? The starter goes.

It's hard to make time for daytime running light sensor and theft codes that don't affect the car. I know what you mean though.
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there are multiple electrical contacts in the switch, some could be bad but you need a wiring diagram to test. Did you check the cigarette lighter fuse the diagostic port for the scanner uses that fuse?
 
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