Possible Fuel Pump Problems on an Astro Van

[rdnkcpa]

I need to pick your collective brains. My wife has a 1999 Astro Van and I think I have a fuel pump problem. Usually when you turn the key on you can hear the pump pressurize the system. Yesterday she went to start it, no noise from the pump and it won't start. First question: Where is the pump? I think it is located under the driver's seat, but not sure. Second, how do I trouble shoot the pump to make sure it is the pump and not a switch or relay? This is the first problem I've had with the van, in 110K miles. Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Jason

[Hotwire]

the pump is located in the gas tank. look in your owners manual for the location of the fuel pump relay and try replacing it, usually 10-15 dollar item if you have the money to spend. if that doesn't fix the problem, then it is most likely the fuel pump itself. i know this sounds bad, but I've had it work in the past, if you know anything about electronics, you can short across the relay to send 12 volts to the pump so you know it's getting power, then take a 2x4 and pop the bottom of the gas tank. Sometimes the pump will develop a weak spot in it, the 2x4 will jar it and you might get lucky and get it running again. I've helped a couple of people out doing this, getting the vehicle home from bad spots in town, sometimes it's lasted to just get home, and one person is still running after 5 months. go figure.

 

either way, good luck. there's a couple of write ups on how to change the fuel pump out, just do a search, it's not hard at all.

[ahabofthepequod]

I need to pick your collective brains.  My wife has a 1999 Astro Van and I think I have a fuel pump problem.  Usually when you turn the key on you can hear the pump pressurize the system.  Yesterday she went to start it, no noise from the pump and it won't start.  First question: Where is the pump?  I think it is located under the driver's seat, but not sure.  Second, how do I trouble shoot the pump to make sure it is the pump and not a switch or relay?  This is the first problem I've had with the van, in 110K miles.  Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Jason

 

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Well at work we have 18 of the '98' '99' Astros practically everyone has close to or over 100,000 miles on them and most of those have had the fuel pump replaced. At a Goodyear repair shop I believe they charged about $600 - $700 to replace it. Ad about $300 more to have it done at the dealer.

[rdnkcpa]

Thanks all for the info. I popped another relay in and no start. I took the dog house off and cranked the engine and hit the schrader valve and no gas came out. I bought a new fuel pump assembly and suckered my dad into helping me change it out. The new fuel pump cured the problem. I have heard GM has had a lot of fuel pump failures. My buddy has a 96 full size Chevy van with nearly 300K on the clock and the olny repair he has made to the van is a fuel pump.