Fuel Pump Wows

[JorEl]

Hi all,

Some advice please as I've encountered my first breakdown (at 70MPH on the motorway - just died without any notice).
Got it towed home and diagnosed as follows with the trickle charger keeping the battery above 12V, display randomly showing Fault E - Fuel level sensor not activating zero switch (after breakdown only) and Fault K - Fuel level sensor open circuit (been randomly coming up for a couple of months now):

1. Ignition on/Immobiliser key fob button depressed - Oil light comes on but no 'whirling' noise from fuel pump
2. Turn ignition over to start - engine turns as normal but doesn't fire up
3. Checked/Depressed Fuel Pump Inertia switch - All good, wasn't activated
4. Checked Fuel Pump Fuse 34 - 20AMP, all good
5. Checked Fuel Pump Relay 41 - Didn't have a clue what I was looking for, plugged it back in, unknown if its the fault
6. Replaced Fuel Level Sensor Unit with a brand new one - No sign of fault own old one

Still wont start... I'm thinking actual Fuel Pump or Relay 41 is faulty.

Any recommendations much appreciated.
Thanks

[S6PNJ]

I had this issue a number of years ago (about 4 or 5). To get me out of trouble, the very nice man from the AA hard wired a 12v battery to the fuel pump and I simply removed the connections (to the battery) when my journey ended. I bought a new relay (see wiki at the top of the page) but ended up taking the old one apart and cleaning the contacts. It's the same relay that's been in my car ever since and no further issues.

If you can get under your car (axle stands please, no jacks!) put 12v from a car battery (or battery charger if it has a powerful enough output) and see if the fuel pump whirrs. If not, a new fuel pump (see parts wiki) is easy to fit. You could always try the Austen Mini fuel pump fix and hit (tap) it with a hammer/mallet to see if it is a bit sticky.

[JorEl]

Thanks Phil,

Have just read your story on this subject from a few years ago. Will have a look, I assume the pump is located underneath the tanks somewhere? Not too hard to access? (Of coarse Ill use Axle Stands).

Cheers!

[S6PNJ]

Just under the fuel tank near the rear near side wheel. While you are there, check the condition of your fuel pipes as they have been known to get quite bad in that area and you don't want fuel pumped onto your exhaust pipe!