I'm asking this question for my dad who doesn't have access to the web. We have a 96 Bonneville SE that has a starting problem. Sometimes it will start and then die unless we keep it running. It may do this 10-15 times before it will actually run on its own. My dad was in the process of changing the fuel pump, and it told him to take out the fuel pump fuse then start the car to run all the gas out of the fuel rails, lines, etc. His question is after taking out the fuel pump fuse the car will not even start, it just cranks. Why is there no fuel built up in the rails or the line. We assume that there should be. Is there another problem other than the fuel pump we could have came across? We didn't know if it could be a regulator or something like that. Any information on this problem would be of great help. Thanks a lot.

Ok, you need good pressure to make it through the injectors. 47-55psi if I remember. So if the pump isn't running, this is normal to get nothing.

Yes, there is a fuel pressure regulator. You can check the pressure with a gauge at the fuel rail. There'* a fitting right there for this purpose.

I'd really be tempted to scan for codes on this sucker. You need to know at least GENERALLY where to start looking. If you get us some codes, it'* easy. Does the car run well at WOT? If it does, and only screws up at idle, it narrows things down some more.

You could have a dirty TB (carbon buildup), bad TPS...I've seen them fail only at the idle point, or any number of other things, just in the fuel system. You could even have plugged injectors that actually work ok at the higher regulator pressures......and on and on. Like I said, with this kind of problem, we should really start with codes. There'* just too many things it COULD be.

We had the codes checked and the dealership said that is was the theft deterrent module. Does anybody have a clue where this is located at. They said that it was shutting down the fuel system. They want 700 to fix it. However, I work at a dealer and can buy it for 150 so if anybody can tell me where its at i could fix it myself.

Thanks, Matt

I THINK it'* above the front passengers footwell. Maybe not a 96, though. Pull the hush panel and take a peek.

Thanks, Do you know if it has to be programmed to the key or anything like that or is it just a plug in module.

Thanks, Matt

Also is there anybody who has pulled a dash on one of these cars. The dealership told us we have to pull the whole dash just to get to the part. Does anybody have an online manual or anything??

I think it has to be programmed to your key. The dealer will have to do that. Presents an interesting problem, how do you get it there. Somebody here may know how to do it.

As far as taking the dash off is concerned, I have a body manual that shows it, but I left it at work! You need to talk to the guys that have fixed their climate control systems. They've had the dash off. If you're not in any great hurry, I can help you with this part no sooner than Tuesday night! I'm heading out of town in about an hour for the weekend.