Suspected Fuel Pump Failure

[fusion1275]

Hello everyone.

I have had a problem occur with my 98 Chimaera. I turn the ignition key and the car turns over but fails to start.

Initially when I turned the key I could hear the fuel pump prime but nothing now. I checked under the dashboard and couldn't even hear the 2 relays click in and out. So thought I Would replace them first anyway as I don't know how old they are/were. Once replaced I can now hear them. So that's sorted now but still not firing up of the beast and still no priming sounds.

Can someone give me some instructions or thoughts of what to check now. I'm no mechanic or electrician by any means so please be gentle.

I appreciate any assistance to get my back on the road again.

Thanks

[spend]

The fuel pump relay is in the footwell not the dashboard.

Check both relays in the footwell power up (main stays on and actually needs to work as the fuel is chained off it, fuel just pulses when ignition switched on ie priming so you have to test quickly). They both also have fuses alongside. There is also the immobilizer and inertia switch between the relay and fuel pump that may be breaking the connection.

After checking the fuses & relays, I like to take a long wire and check the pump by hot wiring it, then work through the elements logically...

[fusion1275]

Hi and thanks for the reply.

I did mean "under the dashboard" ie the footwell etc etc. Anyway I can hear them working now.

I've also checked the fuses in the fuse block and they all seem to be in good shape and none blown or burnt out.

Maybe the hot wire technique is going to be my next step.

[spend]

You can't really tell if the fuses/relays are working from look & sound, a test light or meter on the output is the acid test, otherwise you can end up chasing your tail.....

[fusion1275]

I might need to call someone for that sort of task. I dont own any sort of meter and I think I would end up blowing myself up or doing more damage than good


Cheers

[fusion1275]

Just out of interest where abouts is the fuel pump located and how easy is it to get too/access???

[james12345]

Just inside the rear N/S wheel. Easy to access once the wheel's off, but in all honesty it's more likely to be one of the relays having gone. Try swapping the two over and trying again.

[blueg33]

fusion1275 said:

I might need to call someone for that sort of task. I dont own any sort of meter and I think I would end up blowing myself up or doing more damage than good


Cheers

Multi meter is about £5 from maplin. Not really hard to use either

[fusion1275]

I have replaced both relays. Cant be them already (I should hope)

Thanks I'll get myself down Maplin and do some learning.

[blueg33]

fusion1275 said:

I have replaced both relays. Cant be them already (I should hope)

Thanks I'll get myself down Maplin and do some learning.

I had a new relay fail for the fuel pump recently so age isn't an indication that all is well. Its worth looking at the connectors to the relay socket as they can work loose or corrode as can the terminals on the fuel pump.

The multimeters come with basic instructions, and its easy to find out if there is a current flowing or a potential difference. I only know simple stuff and I managed to trace my issue to a broken wire and a corroded terminal

[fusion1275]

Excellent, I will do some sherlock holmes work this week and hopefully get her back on the road soon before I have to tuck her into hibernation.

Thanks for your assistance.

[fusion1275]

Hi all,

Sorry for not getting back sooner. So an update.....

I have checked over the fuel pump connectors, ran a wire from the positive feed to the pump and it kicks into life.

I changed over (swopped) the relays

I have checked all fuses in the fuse board behind the battery

I have checked the relay connectors and all wiring leading up them

I have found the intertia switch and pressed it - How do you reset it if this might be the cause???

Does anyone have any ideas?

Failing that I am gonna have to put her in the garage to be repaired.

Thanks

[spend]

fusion1275 said:

I changed over (swopped) the relays

If you mean you moved fuel to main & main to fuel, that is pointless. As I said earlier if either one is faulty the fuel will not work, ie if the failed fuel relay is moved to the main the fuel gets no power...

[tvr trev]

I had a problem with my fuel pump it turned out to be the immoberliser Carl Baker (car and Bike installations ltd)fixed it he is very good he knows about tvrs, based in Hants worth a try if all else fails.

[fusion1275]

I have just had a new alarm and immobiliser fitted by Carl. All was working well afer it was fitted and then one day.. nothing.

[pwd95]

Got this problem at the mo too. Anyone know where the fuel pump fuse is?

[tvr trev]

sorry couldent help thats the joy of tvrs we love them and then hate them but when they do work theres not much better.

[fusion1275]

I have just had a new alarm and immobiliser fitted by Carl. All was working well afer it was fitted and then one day.. nothing.

[Good Soil (Pete)]

Lay under the car at the back and you will see the fuel pump. Two wires go to it......give them a bloody good wiggle about and see if that makes any difference.....My 99 did the same as yours and after some very technical wire wiggling all worked well again! Never did quite get around to cleaning the connectors......

[fusion1275]

Yeah done that. Wiggled like crazy

I just gave Racing Green TVR a call and apparently there is a yellow wire with a relay or fuse (couldn't hear properly on the mobile) behind the passenger seat in the door access panel that is a very common fault and can either have bad connections or has failed altogether.

I will be out there after work to inspect in the cold and dark - Oh the joys!!!