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My car cut off on me this morning...

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Old 06-11-2004, 10:35 AM
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Default My car cut off on me this morning...

The tow truck guy said it could be the fuel pump or somthing less complicated. I was just driving along and it shut off without any fuss. Anybody know about how much I camn expect to spend for a fuel pump replacement?! Thanks
Old 06-11-2004, 10:49 AM
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Fuel pumps are around $75 to $100 and about a casual day on your back to R & R. Before you invest the time and money you should do some testing. Borrow or buy ($39) a fuel pressure gauge to test the guy'* theory. There are specific testing procedures for the fuel system that are designed to pinpoint the problem. Or to determine that your problem lies elsewhere.

Start with the simpler and less expensive things first:

Are you actually out of gas but the fuel gauge says something else? Is the relay working? Can you hear the pump buzzing for 2 seconds when you turn the key in?

There are many things that can cause this to happen. If you don't have a service manual, I can help you with the testing procedures. I'll have to fax the pages to you. Perhaps someone elst can email them.,
Old 06-11-2004, 11:03 AM
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i can help out. I've got my '89 service manual i could email directions to, PM me with your email. I'll be glad to help.


-justin
Old 06-11-2004, 11:10 AM
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Originally Posted by opensourceguy
i can help out. I've got my '89 service manual i could email directions to, PM me with your email. I'll be glad to help.


-justin
Great! I was thinking of those flowchart testing procedures:

Does this happen? Yes ---------------> then do this. If not -------------------> then do this

Are you using the Helm manual justin?
Old 06-11-2004, 11:50 AM
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I do not have a Helm manaul but I do have those diagnostic charts.


-justin
Old 06-11-2004, 06:54 PM
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You guys are the best!! I can hear the fuel pump prime. The car will start after sitting for a while but just cuts off after running for about 10 minutes. My email address is tonioseven@yahoo.com. It didn't stumble at all; it just shut off. :( I'm supposed to have it towed to be checked out but I wanted to ask for some decent opinins first. Thank you all!
Old 06-11-2004, 08:56 PM
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ok, i'll type up the flow chart for the fuel system, probably get it out around 11 GMT -5hours.


-justin
Old 06-11-2004, 11:13 PM
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I owe you big time!!
Old 06-12-2004, 01:12 AM
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Originally Posted by jr's3800
Did the car stumble at all or did the engine just shut off with no warning at all? Then suddenly all of the lights lit up on the dash? I'm thinking that either the Crank sensor took a crapp or the computer fried...

Also when you turn the ignition on do you hear the fuel pump prime... Checking the fuel pressure is also a good idea... Good Luck...

listen to this man. my car was the same way, only thing was it that it cut off on its own. no warning. got the crank sensor change and it runs fine now. sometimes it would be hasrd to start if i cut it off or when it cut off on its own.
Old 06-12-2004, 08:20 AM
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Those intermittants are a real pain. Last time I had a car that would run for a few minutes then die it was the ignition module (under the coilpack). The IM and the crank sensor are the usual suspects.

When a car dies as if a switch were thrown, it probably was (electrical, not fuel).


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