GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Circuit Description

When the ignition is turned ON, the powertrain control module (PCM) will turn ON the in-tank fuel pump. The in-tank fuel pump will remain ON as long as the engine is cranking or running and the PCM is receiving reference pulses. If there are no reference pulses, the PCM will turn the in-tank fuel pump OFF 2 seconds after the ignition is turned  ON or 2 seconds after the engine stops running.

Diagnostic Aids

A fuel pump prime terminal is available at the underhood bussed electrical center (UBEC). Refer to the UBEC cover for terminal location.

The following conditions may have caused the fuel pump circuit breaker to open:

    • The fuel pump circuit breaker is faulty.
    • There is an intermittent short in the fuel pump power feed circuit.
    • The fuel pump has an intermittent internal condition.

For an intermittent condition, refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections .

Test Description

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

  1. Command both the ON and OFF states. Repeat the commands as necessary.

  2. This step determines if the condition is located on the coil side or the switch side of the circuit.

  3. This step verifies that the PCM is providing voltage to the fuel pump relay.

  4. This step tests for an open in the ground circuit to the fuel pump relay.

  5. This step determines if a voltage is constantly being applied to the fuel pump relay.

  6. To gain access to the fuel pump connector, the fuel tank may need to be removed.

  7. This step determines if the condition with the circuit is intermittent. If the fuse does not open, inspect the supply voltage circuit between the fuse and the fuel pump for an intermittent condition.

  8. Use the same amperage fuse in the jumper as is used to protect the fuel pump circuit.

  9. To gain access to the fuel pump connector, the fuel tank may need to be removed.

  10. Inspect the ground connection for the fuel pump. Be certain all ground connections are clean and tight.

Step

Action

Yes

No

Schematic Reference: Engine Controls Schematics

Connector End View Reference: Powertrain Control Module Connector End Views or Engine Controls Connector End Views

1

Did you perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle

2

  1. Install a scan tool.
  2. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  3. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump turn ON and OFF?

Go to Diagnostic Aids

Go to Step 3

3

Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Do you hear a click when you command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 4

4

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the control circuit of the fuel pump relay with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.
  5. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit of the fuel pump relay and the ground circuit of the fuel pump relay.
  2. Command the fuel pump relay ON and OFF with a scan tool.

Does the test lamp turn ON and OFF?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 23

6

Does the test lamp remain illuminated with each command?

Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Test the control circuit of the fuel pump relay for a short to voltage. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 28

8

Test the control circuit of the fuel pump relay for a short to ground or an open. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 21

9

Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the fuel pump operate continuously?

Go to Step 10

Go to Step 11

10

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.

Does the fuel pump operate continuously?

Go to Step 22

Go to Step 26

11

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Remove the fuel pump circuit breaker.
  3. Install a 20-amp fused jumper wire in place of the fuel pump circuit breaker.
  4. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  5. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.

Does the fuel pump operate?

Go to Step 27

Go to Step 12

12

Inspect the fuse in the jumper harness.

Is the fuse open?

Go to Step 13

Go to Step 15

13

Test the supply voltage circuit of the fuel pump for a grounded circuit between the fuel pump circuit breaker and the fuel pump. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 14

14

  1. Install the fuel pump harness connector.
  2. Install a new fuse in the jumper harness.
  3. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
  4. Inspect the fuse in the jumper harness.

Is the fuse in the jumper harness open?

Go to Step 25

Go to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections

15

  1. Turn OFF the ignition.
  2. Disconnect the fuel pump relay.
  3. Turn ON the ignition, with the engine OFF.
  4. Probe the battery voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay switch with a test lamp that is connected to a good ground.

Does the test lamp illuminate?

Go to Step 16

Go to Step 24

16

Connect a 20-amp fused jumper wire between the battery voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay switch and the supply voltage circuit of the fuel pump.

Does the fuel pump operate?

Go to Step 20

Go to Step 17

17

Test the supply voltage circuit of the fuel pump for an open or high resistance between the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 18

18

Test the ground circuit of the fuel pump for an open or high resistance. Refer to Circuit Testing and Wiring Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 19

19

Inspect for poor connections at the fuel pump. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 25

20

Inspect for poor connections at fuel pump relay. Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 26

21

Inspect for poor connections at the harness connector of the powertrain control module (PCM). Refer to Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections and Connector Repairs .

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 29

Go to Step 28

22

Repair the supply voltage circuit of the fuel pump for a short to voltage. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 29

--

23

Repair the open fuel pump relay ground circuit. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 29

--

24

Repair the battery voltage circuit of the fuel pump relay switch. Refer to Wiring Repairs .

Did you complete the repair?

Go to Step 29

--

25

Important: Inspect for poor connections at the fuel pump, within the fuel tank, before replacing the fuel pump.

  1. Replace the fuel pump. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .
  2. Replace the fuel pump fuse if necessary.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 29

--

26

Important: Test the fuel pump prime circuit for a short to voltage before replacing the fuel pump relay.

Replace the fuel pump relay.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 29

--

27

Important: Inspect for poor connections at the fuel pump circuit breaker.

Replace the fuel pump circuit breaker.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 29

--

28

Replace the PCM. Refer to Control Module References for replacement, setup, and programming.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 29

--

29

Operate the system in order to verify the repair.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Step 2