Fuel System Diagnosis. Chevrolet Corvette 1997

For 1990-2009 cars only

Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1997 🢒 Corvette 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Controls - 5.7L 🢒 Fuel System Diagnosis


(1)	Fuel Pressure Gauge Bleed Hose
(2)	J 37287 Fuel Line Shut-off Adapters
(3)	Return Pipe
(4)	Feed Pipe
(5)	J 34730-1A Fuel Pressure Gauge

Circuit Description

When you turn ON the ignition switch, the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) turns ON the in-tank fuel pump. The in-tank fuel pump remains ON as long as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM receives reference pulses. If there are no reference pulses, the PCM turns the in-tank fuel pump OFF 2 seconds after the ignition switch is turned ON or 2 seconds after the engine stops running.

The in-tank fuel pump is an electric pump attached to the fuel sender assembly inside the left fuel tank. The in-tank fuel pump supplies fuel through an in-pipe fuel filter to the fuel rail assembly. The in-tank fuel pump also supplies fuel to the right fuel tank siphon jet pump in order to transfer fuel from the right fuel tank to the left fuel tank. The fuel pump provides fuel at a pressure above the pressure needed by the fuel injectors. A fuel pressure regulator, attached to the fuel rail, keeps the fuel available to the fuel injectors at a regulated pressure. Unused fuel returns to the left fuel tank by a separate fuel return pipe.

Test Description

The numbers below refer to the step numbers on the diagnostic table.

The left fuel sender voltage will be low if the left fuel tank is empty.

When the ignition switch is ON and the fuel pump is running, the fuel pressure indicated by the fuel pressure gauge should read 380-420 kPa (55-61 psi). The spring pressure inside the fuel pressure regulator controls this pressure.

A fuel system that can not maintain a constant fuel pressure has a leak in one or more of the following areas:

•	The fuel feed pipe check valve (Check valve stuck open)

•	The fuel pump fuel feed pipe

•	The valve or valve seat within the fuel pressure regulator

•	The fuel injector(s)

Fuel pressure that drops-off during acceleration, cruise, or hard cornering may cause a lean condition. A lean condition can cause a loss of power, surging, or misfire. You can diagnose a lean condition using a scan tool. If an extremely lean condition occurs, the front heated oxygen sensors will stop toggling. The heated oxygen sensor output voltages will drop below 300 mV. The fuel injector pulse width will increase.

Important: Make sure the fuel system is not operating in the Fuel Cut-Off Mode. This can cause false indications by the scan tool.

A rich condition may result from the fuel pressure being above 420 kPa (61 psi). A rich condition may cause DTC P0132, DTC P0152, DTC P0172 or DTC P0175 to set. Driveability conditions associated with rich conditions can include hard starting followed by black smoke and a strong sulfur smell in the exhaust.

This test determines if the high fuel pressure is due to a restricted fuel return pipe or if the high fuel pressure is due to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

A lean condition may result from the fuel pressure being below 380 kPa (55 psi). A lean condition may cause DTC P0131, DTC P0151, DTC P0171 or DTC P0174 to set. Driveability conditions associated with lean conditions can include hard starting when the engine is cold, hesitation, poor driveability, lack of power, surging, and misfiring.

Restricting the fuel return pipe with the J 37287 fuel pipe shut-off adapter causes the fuel pressure to rise above the regulated fuel pressure. Using a scan tool to pressurize the system, the fuel pressure should rise above 420 kPa (61 psi) as the valve on the fuel pipe shut-off adapter connected to the fuel return pipe becomes partially closed.

Notice: DO NOT allow the fuel pressure to exceed 517 kPa (75 psi). Excessive pressure may damage the fuel system.

The fuel pump runs for 2 seconds each time you command the pump ON with the scan tool. Enable the fuel pump several times in order to achieve the time specified in the diagnostic table. This test checks for a restriction in the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (jet pump to left tank).

The fuel pump runs for 2 seconds each time you command the pump ON with the scan tool. Enable the fuel pump several times in order to achieve the time specified in the diagnostic table. This test checks the siphon jet pump output. If the siphon jet pump becomes plugged, is cracked, or if the tube is kinked, the jet pump will not transfer fuel from the right tank to the left tank.

Check the spark plug associated with a particular fuel injector for fouling or saturation in order to determine if that particular fuel injector is leaking. If checking the spark plug associated with a particular fuel injector for fouling or saturation does not determine that a particular fuel injector is leaking, use the following procedure:

1.	Remove the fuel rail, but leave the fuel pipes connected to the fuel rail. Refer to Fuel Injection Fuel Rail Assembly Replacement .

2.	Lift the fuel rail just enough to leave the fuel injector nozzles in the fuel injector ports.

Caution: In order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury that may result from fuel spraying on the engine, verify that the fuel rail is positioned over the fuel injector ports. Also verify that the fuel injector retaining clips are intact.

3.	Pressurize the fuel system by using the scan tool fuel pump enable.

4.	Visually and physically inspect the fuel injector nozzles for leaks.

Fuel System Diagnosis

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

Did you perform the Powertrain On-Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check?

Go to Step 2

Go to Powertrain On Board Diagnostic (OBD) System Check

Monitor the left fuel sender voltage using a scan tool.

Is the left fuel sender voltage less than the specified value?

0.8V

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 3

Turn the ignition OFF.
Turn the air conditioning system OFF.

Caution: Wrap a shop towel around the fuel pressure connection in order to reduce the risk of fire and personal injury. The towel will absorb any fuel leakage that occurs during the connection of the fuel pressure gage. Place the towel in an approved container when the connection of the fuel pressure gage is complete.

Install the J 34730 fuel pressure gauge. (Refer to (5) in the illustration).
Place the bleed hose of the fuel pressure gauge (Refer to (1) in the illustration) into an approved gasoline container.
Turn the ignition ON.
Bleed the air out of the fuel pressure gauge.
Turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition ON.

Important:: The fuel pump will run for approximately 2 seconds. Cycle the ignition as necessary in order to achieve the highest possible fuel pressure.

Observe the fuel pressure with the fuel pump running.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified limits?

380-420 kPa (55-61 psi)

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 11

Important:: The fuel pressure may vary slightly when the fuel pump stops running. After the fuel pump stops running the fuel pressure should stabilize and remain constant.

After the fuel pump stops running, does the fuel pressure remain constant?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 8

Do you suspect the fuel pressure of dropping-off during acceleration, cruise, or hard cornering?

Go to Step 6

Go to Symptoms

Visually and physically inspect the following items for a restriction:

•	The fuel filter

•	The fuel feed pipe (Refer to (4) in the illustration)

Did you find a restriction?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 7

Remove the left fuel sender assembly. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
Visually and physically inspect the following items:

•	The fuel pump strainer for a restriction

•	The fuel pump fuel feed pipe for leaks

•	Verify the fuel pump is the correct fuel pump for this vehicle

Did you find a problem in any of these areas?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 21

Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief .
Disconnect the fuel feed pipe (Refer to (4) in the illustration) and the fuel return pipe (Refer to (3) in the illustration) from the fuel rail. Refer to Servicing Quick Connect Fittings .
Install the J 37287 fuel pipe shut-off adapters (Refer to (2) in the illustration) between the fuel feed pipe and the fuel return pipe and the fuel rail.
Open the valves on the fuel pipe shut-off adapters.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Turn ON the fuel pump using a scan tool.
Place the bleed hose (Refer to (1) in the illustration) of the fuel pressure gauge (Refer to (5) in the illustration) into an approved gasoline container.
Bleed the air out of the fuel pressure gauge.
Wait for the fuel pressure to build.
Close the valve in the fuel pipe shut-off adapter that is connected to the fuel feed pipe.

Does the fuel pressure remain constant?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

Remove the left fuel sender assembly. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
Visually and physically inspect the fuel pump fuel feed pipe.

Is the fuel pump fuel feed pipe leaking?

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 28

Open the valve in the fuel pipe shut-off adapter (Refer to (2) in the illustration) that is connected to the fuel feed pipe (Refer to (4) in the illustration).
Using a scan tool, turn ON the fuel pump.
Wait for the fuel pressure to build.
Close the valve in the fuel pipe shut-off adapter that is connected to the fuel return pipe (Refer to (3) in the illustration).

Does the fuel pressure remain constant?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 23

Is the fuel pressure above the specified limit?

420 kPa (61 psi)

Go to Step 12

Go to Step 14

Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief .
Disconnect the fuel return pipe (Refer to (3) in the illustration) from the fuel rail. Refer to Servicing Quick Connect Fittings .
Attach a length of flexible fuel hose to the fuel rail outlet passage.
Place the open end of the flexible fuel hose into an approved gasoline container.
Turn the ignition OFF for 10 seconds.
Turn the ignition ON.
Observe the fuel pressure with the fuel pump running.

Is the fuel pressure within the specified limits?

380-420 kPa (55-61 psi)

Go to Step 24

Go to step 13

Visually and physically inspect the fuel rail outlet passages for a restriction.

Did you find a restriction?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 22

Is the fuel pressure above the specified value?

0 kPa (0 psi)

Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

Relieve the fuel pressure. Refer to the Fuel Pressure Relief .
Disconnect the fuel return pipe (Refer to (3) in the illustration) from the fuel rail. Refer to Servicing Quick Connect Fittings .
Install the J 37287 fuel pipe shut-off adapter (Refer to (2) in the illustration) between the fuel return pipe and the fuel rail.
Open the valve on the fuel pipe shut-off adapter.
Turn the ignition OFF.
Turn ON the fuel pump using a scan tool.
Place the bleed hose (Refer to (1) in the illustration) of the fuel pressure gauge (Refer to (5) in the illustration) into an approved gasoline container.
Bleed the air out of the fuel pressure gauge.

Notice: DO NOT allow the fuel pressure to exceed 517 kPa (75 psi). Excessive pressure may damage the fuel system.

Slowly close the valve in the fuel pipe shut-off adapter that is connected to the fuel return pipe.

Does the fuel pressure rise above the specified value?

420 kPa (61 psi)

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 7

Go to Fuel Pump Electrical Circuit Diagnosis in order to diagnose the fuel pump electrical circuit.

Did you find a problem with the fuel pump electrical circuit?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 20

Add fuel if the left fuel tank is empty.
Disconnect the fuel feed rear crossover pipe (upper) at the right fuel sender.
Insert the fuel feed rear crossover pipe (upper) into an approved gasoline container.
Command the fuel pump ON for the specified amount of time using a scan tool.
Measure the volume of fuel.

Is the volume of fuel greater than the specified value?

10 sec 300 ml (0.633 pt)

Go to Step 18

Go to Step 29

Reconnect the fuel feed rear crossover pipe (upper) to the right fuel sender.
Disconnect the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (upper left) from the left fuel sender.
Insert the fuel sender fuel feed pipe into an approved gasoline container.
Command the fuel pump ON for the specified amount of time using a scan tool.
Measure the volume of fuel.

Is the volume of fuel greater than the specified value?

8 sec 332.6 ml (0.703 pt)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 19

Reconnect the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (upper left) to the left fuel sender.
Disconnect the fuel sender fuel feed pipe (lower) from the right fuel sender.
Connect a length of flexible fuel hose to the fuel sender fuel feed pipe nipple on the right fuel sender.
Insert the open end of the fuel hose into an approved gasoline container.
Command the fuel pump ON for the specified amount of time using a scan tool.
Measure the volume of fuel.

Is the volume of fuel greater than the specified value?

8 sec 332.6 ml (0.703 pt)

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 26

Visually and physically inspect the following items:

•	The fuel filter for obstructions

•	The fuel feed pipe (Refer to (4) in the illustration) for a restriction

•	The fuel pump strainer for obstructions

•	The fuel pump fuel feed pipe for leaks

Did you find a problem in any of these areas?

Go to Step 25

Go to Step 21

Replace the left tank fuel sender. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .

Is the action complete?

System OK

Replace the fuel pressure regulator. Refer to Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement .

Is the action complete?

System OK

Locate and replace any leaking fuel injector(s). Refer to Fuel Injector Replacement .

Is the action complete?

System OK

Locate and correct the restriction in the fuel return pipe. (Refer to (3) in the illustration).

Is the action complete?

System OK

Repair the problem as necessary.

Is the action complete?

System OK

Replace the right tank fuel sender. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .

Is the action complete?

System OK

Locate and correct the restriction in the fuel sender fuel feed pipe.

Is the action complete?

System OK

Replace the fuel feed rear pipe with the check valve. Refer to Fuel Hose and Pipes .

Is the action complete?

System OK

Locate and correct the restriction in the following:

•	The orifice located in the tee in the fuel feed rear pipe

•	The fuel feed rear pipe from the tee to the fuel feed rear crossover pipe

•	The fuel feed rear crossover pipe from the fuel feed rear pipe to the right fuel sender

Is the action complete?

System OK