Fuel delivery problem

[Stingray]

I tried starting my 1988 Esprit Turbo this morning, and a noise, that sounded like some sort of electronic pump (similar to the window washer motor), started going off. I took the key out of the ignition, and it still continued in the off position. I couldn’t locate where the noise was coming from other than around the engine compartment. I tried starting it anyway, and it sounded there wasn't any fuel getting to the motor. After turning the key a few times in the on/off positions the noise went away. However, the car still won’t start. I found the fuel cutoff reset button in the engine compartment but that didn’t seem to work when I pressed it. I’m pretty sure it’s just a matter of fuel not getting to the engine but didn’t know what to try next. Any suggestions?

[lotusguy]

Stingray said:

I tried starting my 1988 Esprit Turbo this morning, and a noise, that sounded like some sort of electronic pump (similar to the window washer motor), started going off. I took the key out of the ignition, and it still continued in the off position. I couldn’t locate where the noise was coming from other than around the engine compartment. I tried starting it anyway, and it sounded there wasn't any fuel getting to the motor. After turning the key a few times in the on/off positions the noise went away. However, the car still won’t start. I found the fuel cutoff reset button in the engine compartment but that didn’t seem to work when I pressed it. I’m pretty sure it’s just a matter of fuel not getting to the engine but didn’t know what to try next. Any suggestions?

Hi,

Sounds to me like a fuel pump relay has gone south. If that's all it is, the fix is quick and cheap. Inside your ignition box, you'll see a row of relays (little metal or ABS boxes plugged into sockets) located on the back wall of the ignition box. Your fuel pumps relays are the #4 and #5 relays (reading left to right). Remove them and either replace them with new ones, or swap them with identical relays (known to be good) used elsewhere in the car for another accesory such as the headlights etc. If this fixes the problem, then just replace the relays. If not, I suspect a poor ground would also create the situation you describe. Good Luck. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE