The powertrain control module (PCM) will energize the fuel pump relay for 3 seconds when the ignition switch is turned to the ON position. The fuel pump will operate and pressurize the fuel system when the fuel pump relay is energized. The PCM receives ignition system reference pulses when the engine is being cranked or when the engine is running. The PCM will continue to energize the fuel pump relay as long as the PCM receives ignition system reference pulses. The PCM will de-energize the fuel pump relay when ignition system reference pulses are no longer detected.
The fuel supply system delivers fuel to the fuel injectors at a controlled pressure. The controlled fuel pressure is 250-300 kPa (36-43 psi) when the fuel pump is energized and the engine is not running. The controlled fuel pressure is 210-260 kPa (30-37 psi) when the engine is idling at normal operating temperatures. The fuel pressure regulator maintains the correct fuel pressure at all times by returning excess fuel to the fuel tank.
The numbers below refer to the step numbers in the diagnostic table.
The Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls prompts the technician to complete some basic checks and to store the Freeze Frame data on the scan tool if applicable. This creates an electronic copy of the data taken when the fault occurred. The information is then stored in the scan tool for later reference.
This step checks to see if fuel system pressure is within specifications with the ignition On and the fuel pump running. The fuel pump may be operated with the scan tool Output Control feature when the fuel level is more than 20 percent and no DTCs are set.
This step checks the fuel pressure after the fuel pump stops. Approximately one minute after the fuel pump stops fuel pressure should remain steady above 180 kPa (25 psi). The fuel pump may be operated with the scan tool Output Control feature when the fuel level is more than 20 percent and no DTCs are set.
The vehicle should start and run. At this step, adequate fuel pressure is available for the engine to operate. A vehicle that will not start may have inoperable fuel injectors.
This step checks for normal fuel pressure when the engine is running. Fuel pressure that is not within the specified value indicates a possible fault in the fuel pressure regulator.
This step checks for a faulty check valve in the fuel pump. Blocking (pinching) the fuel feed hose between the fuel pressure gage and the fuel pump, immediately after the fuel pump stops, traps the fuel pressure between the fuel pressure regulator and the blocked section. If fuel pressure now remains above the specified value, the fault is between the blocked section and the fuel tank. The fuel pump may be operated with the scan tool Output Control feature when the fuel level is more than 20 percent and no DTCs are set.
This step checks for a faulty fuel pressure regulator. You may operate the fuel pump with the scan tool Output Control feature when the fuel level is more than 20 percent and no DTCs are set.
A fault in the fuel pump electrical circuit may cause low fuel pressure or no fuel pressure.
This step checks for additional conditions that can cause low fuel pressure other than a faulty fuel pump. Check for any restrictions or blockage in the fuel feed lines and hoses, including those inside the fuel tank. Check the fuel pump electrical circuit for excessive resistance. Proper fuel pump operation requires correct voltage and adequate current flow.
This step checks the operation of the fuel pressure regulator. You may operate the fuel pump with the scan tool Output Control feature when the fuel level is more than 20 percent and no DTCs are set.
Step | Action | Value(s) | Yes | No | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schematic Reference: Fuel System Description | ||||||||||
Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check-Engine Controls? | -- | Go to Step 2 | ||||||||
2 |
Was there any fuel pressure indicated? | -- | Go to Step 3 | Go to Step 13 | ||||||
Important: In order to obtain maximum fuel pressure it may be necessary to cycle the ignition ON to OFF to ON more than once. Is the fuel pressure indicated within the specified values? | 250-300 kPa (36-43 psi) | Go to Step 4 | Go to Step 11 | |||||||
Does the fuel pressure hold at or above the specified value? | 180 kPa (25 psi) | Go to Step 5 | Go to Step 7 | |||||||
Start the engine. Does the vehicle start and run? | -- | Go to Step 6 | ||||||||
Run the engine to normal operating temperature. Is the fuel pressure indicated within the specified values? | 210-260 kPa (30 - 37 psi) | System OK | Go to Step 9 | |||||||
7 |
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 8 | ||||||
Does the fuel pressure hold at or above the specified value? | 180 kPa (25 psi) | Go to Step 18 | Go to Step 9 | |||||||
Does the fuel pressure remain at or above the specified value? | 180 kPa (25 psi) | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 10 | |||||||
10 |
Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- | ||||||
11 | Is the fuel pressure below the specified value? | 250 kPa (36 psi) | Go to Step 12 | Go to Step 15 | ||||||
12 |
Important: In order to obtain maximum fuel pressure it may be necessary to cycle the ignition ON to OFF to ON more than once.
Is the fuel pressure at the specified value or higher? | 400 kPa (57 psi) | Go to Step 17 | Go to Step 13 | ||||||
Was the fuel pump relay diagnostic procedure performed? | -- | Go to Step 14 | ||||||||
Was a repair necessary? | -- | Go to Step 19 | Go to Step 18 | |||||||
Is the fuel pressure within the specified value? | 250-300 kPa (36-43 psi) | Go to Step 16 | Go to Step 17 | |||||||
16 | Repair or replace the restricted fuel return pipe or hose. Did you complete the repair? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- | ||||||
17 | Replace the fuel pressure regulator. Refer to Fuel Pressure Regulator Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- | ||||||
18 | Replace the fuel pump. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement . Did you complete the replacement? | -- | Go to Step 19 | -- | ||||||
19 | Operate the vehicle within the conditions under which the original symptom was noticed. Does the system now operate properly? | -- | System OK | Go to Intermittent Conditions |