GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Instructions

    •  Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    •  Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Circuit/System Description

The engine control module (ECM) supplies a high voltage signal to the fuel pump control module (FPCM) when the ECM detects that the ignition is ON. The high voltage signal from the ECM to the FPCM remains active for 2 seconds, unless the engine is in Crank or Run. While this signal is being received, the FPCM closes the ground switch of the fuel pump and also supplies a varying voltage to the fuel tank pump module in order to maintain the desired fuel rail pressure.

The fuel system is an electronic returnless on-demand design. A returnless fuel system reduces the internal temperature of the fuel tank by not returning hot fuel from the engine to the fuel tank. Reducing the internal temperature of the fuel tank results in lower evaporative emissions.

The fuel tank stores the fuel supply. An electric turbine style fuel pump attaches to the fuel pump module inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump supplies fuel through the fuel feed pipe to the high pressure fuel pump. The fuel pump also supplies fuel to a venturi pump located on the bottom of the fuel pump module. The function of the venturi pump is to fill the fuel pump module reservoir. The fuel pump module contains a reverse flow check valve. The check valve maintains fuel pressure in the fuel feed pipe in order to prevent long cranking times.

Reference Information

Description and Operation

Fuel System Description

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Special Tools

    • CH-48027 Digital Pressure Gage
    • J 37287 Fuel Line Shut-Off Adapter
    • For equivalent regional tools, refer to Special Tools.

Circuit/System Verification

Note: 

   • Repair all fuel system related DTCs before performing this diagnostic.
   • Inspect the fuel system for damage or external leaks before proceeding.
   • Verify that adequate fuel is in the fuel tank before proceeding.
   • The fuel pump may need to be commanded ON a few times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure.
   • Before proceeding with this test, review the User Manual CH 48027-5 for Safety Information and Instruction.
   • DO NOT perform the Fuel System Diagnosis if the engine coolant temperature (ECT) is above 60°C (150°F). High fuel pressure readings may result due to hot soak fuel boiling. With the engine OFF, the fuel pressure may increase to the setting of the pressure relief regulator valve, 580 kPa (84 psi).

  1. Ignition OFF, all accessories OFF, install a CH-48027 . Refer to Fuel Pressure Gage Installation and Removal.
  2. Ignition ON, engine OFF, command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool. Verify the fuel pressure is between 395-464 kPa (57-67 psi) and does not decrease greater than 34 kPa (5 psi) in 1 minute.

Circuit/System Testing

    Note: 

       • The fuel pump may need to be commanded ON a few times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure.
       • DO NOT start the engine.

  1. Ignition ON, engine OFF, command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool and observe the fuel pressure gage while the fuel pump is operating. Verify the fuel pressure is between 395-464 kPa (57-67 psi).
  2. If the fuel pressure is less than the specified range, test, inspect, and repair the items listed below. If all items test normal, replace the fuel pump module.
    • Restricted fuel feed pipe
    • Inspect the harness connectors and the ground circuits of the fuel pump for poor connections.
  3. Verify that the fuel pressure does not decrease greater than 34 kPa (5 psi) in 1 minute.
  4. If the fuel pressure decreases greater than the specified value, perform the following procedure:
    2.1. Ignition OFF, relieve the fuel pressure.
    2.2. Disconnect the chassis fuel feed hose from the engine compartment fuel pipe.
    2.3. Install the J 37287 between the chassis fuel hose and the engine compartment fuel pipe.
    2.4. Open the valve on the J 37287 .
    2.5. Ignition ON, command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool and bleed the air from the CH-48027 .
    2.6. Command the fuel pump ON with a scan tool.
    2.7. Close the valve on the J 37287 .
    2.8. Monitor the fuel pressure for 1 minute.
    If the fuel pressure does not decrease greater than 34 kPa (5 psi) within the specified time, replace the fuel pump module.
  5. Relieve the fuel pressure to 69 kPa (10 psi). Verify that the fuel pressure does not decrease greater than 14 kPa (2 psi) in 5 minutes.
  6. If the fuel pressure decreases greater than the specified value, replace the fuel pump module.
  7. Operate the vehicle within the conditions of the customer's concern while monitoring the fuel pressure with the CH-48027 . The fuel pressure should not drop off during acceleration, cruise, or hard cornering.
  8. If the fuel pressure drops off, test, inspect, and repair the items listed below. If all items test normal, replace the fuel pump module.
    • Restricted fuel feed pipe
    • Inspect the harness connectors and the ground circuits of the fuel pump for poor connections.
  9. If the fuel system tests normal, refer to Symptoms - Engine Controls.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Fuel Feed Pipe Replacement
    •  Fuel Pump Module Replacement