Oh yeah, also...

I read somewhere a quote about the code 58 for PASS key that "All '92s do that, ignore it." Is it really a negligible code?

I think we'd need to go through the FSM diagnostic procedure for that code to know if it is valid this time.

I don't have my FSMs right now.

Anybody have any idea what I'll be looking at if I just take it to a shop? :(

as much as I hate to admit defeat, I have no tools, no garage, and too many midterms this week to deal with it.

I'm guessing about $200 for a pump & another $200 in labor. Probably a lot more at a dealership. You'd better call around & get some prices.

It'* possible your gas gauge is broken & you're just out of gas. I'm sure you can tell if this is a possiblity by long long it'* been since gas was added.

Would it be a feasible project to syphon and drop the tank myself in a parking lot? What kind of tools / timescale are required for this job?

I'm off at college right now, and if I could save $200 by doing this myself, I'd suffer the worst Saturday of my life on my back in a cold parking lot to do so...

EDIT: and for that matter, why the hell didn't GM engineer an access panel in the trunk base to get at the fuel pump like Honda does?

My fuel pump went out at 185K on my 95. The wife just filled the tank too. I have a friend that'* a parts manager at my local dealer and he helped me get it done from one of the mechanics. I think the pump cost me $85 (wholesale cost) and labor was around $100 - $150? That was about a year or so ago now. You have about the same milage as mine then, could be the pump.

bump

Who'* done this job on their own? Can it be done in a parking lot with minimal tools at 30° to 40° conditions?

My next door neighbor has a 95 Monte Carlo. Another neighbor has done lots of GM shade tree stuff and had done a couple fuel pumps. They dropped the tank. Raised the car on jack stands at rear. Removed bolts for two straps. Used a small hydraulic jack under tank to drop it slightly and remove stuff then lowered it more. At times I helped. It was 80-90 degrees. They did not remove the 5 gallons of gas in there.

While troubleshooting, checked relays which are in fuse center under hood on that model. Hit bottom of tank with rubber mallet while cranking which made pump catch and work for half minute or so before dying again. Internet someone had said that'* a test for a worn, sticking fuel pump. It worked. Told us the relays and connections were okay.

I wouldn't recommend it without knowing it was the fuel pump and not a relay, wiring connection, etc., causiing it. Also would recommend someone who'* done it before be present to help.

An independent shop can troubleshoot first. And then easily do that job.

The Monte had been owned by his dad. He inherited it and kept it with almost no fuel in tank for lack of money. Pump died at 85 K mi. Good reason to keep half tank and fuller to prevent pump overheat.

Shadetree recommended using a GM fuel pump only. Said others have had trouble with aftermarket...?

Sidenote: the 00+ have an access panel.

I've done the job myself in a few hours. The low temps will keep the gas smell down, I suppose.

Best tips: raise the rear plenty and support it well. And don't be afraid to slip the exhaust out of it'* hangers. That'll help get the tank down.

I can't believe I hadn't thought of that yet... ugh. this college stuff is burning out my brain.

thanks guys!