Fuel pump - not the relays?!
Fuel pump - not the relays?!
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jonrudling

Original Poster:

16 posts

166 months

Sunday 28th April 2013
quotequote all
Hi all.

Had my first issue with the Chim since I got her in early Feb.

Lost power in the Limehouse Link tunnel in London - about a mile from home! Police towed me out of the tunnel; RAC turned up a couple of hours later!

I figured was something to do with the fuel pump, as it wasn't priming when I turned the ignition.

Had the RAC check the relays. Power gettin to them fine, and they were 'switching' when I turned the ignition.

They then gave me a choice of leaving it there not working or having someone pick it up on a flat bed and take it to 'Friendly Service' in Enfield! I went for the latter - so my pride and joy is now awaiting the garage to look at it on Monday morning. Anyone heard of these guys?

Can anyone shed any light on what the problem might be?
New fuel pump needed? Anything else to consider?

I really need a quick turnaround on the repair - as need the car on Friday! Are my expectations too optimistic?!

Any thoughts/help are appreciated as always.

Thanks in advance guys,
Jon


rigga

8,806 posts

231 months

Sunday 28th April 2013
quotequote all
If the relays are indeed functioning ok, then next step is to test for voltage at the full pump itself, if there is then the pump is goosed, if not then trace back until voltage is found..

Harrytsg

1,264 posts

192 months

Sunday 28th April 2013
quotequote all
Check (press to reset) the inertia switch up under the dash, it's in line between the relays and pump.
For 30 seconds of groping around its a quick one to eliminate.

seeby

1,807 posts

200 months

Sunday 28th April 2013
quotequote all
Make sure its fixed for May12 for a proper run through the Limehouse Link & other tunnels.smile

jonrudling

Original Poster:

16 posts

166 months

Monday 29th April 2013
quotequote all
Thanks all for your help, as usual!

So, there is power at the relays, power at the pump, and no whirring/priming noise.

No one suggested petrol, did they?!

Garage phoned me this morning... said the cost of getting it going again was £5 (or about 3 litres of Unleaded)!

Feel like a bit of a numpty now... but very pleased it's working again.
Still slightly baffled as to why the fuel pump didn't make any noise, and not sure if any other 'damage' could have occurred??
But, it does mean I can now enjoy this weekend driving down to Bristol!

Thanks again for everyone's help/tips/tricks... I'll remember them for next time (once I've marked the new 'empty' point on the fuel gauge!)

Harrytsg

1,264 posts

192 months

Monday 29th April 2013
quotequote all
banghead

portzi

2,336 posts

205 months

Monday 29th April 2013
quotequote all
Harrytsg said:
banghead
At least it was a cheap fix. smile