I went to start my loyale last night after it sat for about 2-3 weeks- it wouldn't start. So today I went out to figure out what's wrong with it and, before I started taking things apart, I tried to see if it would start. It started right up. I then drove it around back (maybe 1/8 mile) and proceeded to clean the interior. When I tried to start it to move it back to the front, it started and ran for about 3 seconds and died.

 

After some tinkering and some research, I've come to the conclusion that my fuel pump isn't turning on. I've read some posts about the fuel pump relay and would like to check connections and such. Can anyone tell me where the relay is located? Can anyone give me some pointers on what else I should check?

 

For the record:

It will run on ether.

The filter is pretty new (under 10,000 miles).

Timing belts are new and working.

I don't hear the fuel pump turn on when the ignition is in the run position.

I don't hear the fuel pump turn on when I connect the green plugs.

Edited October 2, 200916 yr by ahole

turn the key between run and start, not quite hitting the start circuit, the fuel pump should kick repeatedly every second or so. Listen to see if the relay is clicking then too.

Moving the key from OFF to RUN should turn the pump on for a couple seconds if things are ok. The relay is under the dash to the right of the steering column I think and it may be bad. Another area of possible trouble is the fusible links. Check them for a loose connection. They are in a plastic box mounted on the coolant reservoir.

check the ground as well, ill try to get pics as soon as i get my car on the hoist, the fuel pump is under the passenger side rear wheel just ahead of the suspension

After checking the relay, filter, and power to the pump, I came to the conclusion that the pump wasn't working. Three hits with a framing hammer later, my wagon is back in business. Thanks for the help!

Yeah - they are rotary vane style pumps - any bit of corrosion will stop them from starting as the starting torque of those DC motors is very low.

 

GD

is that a pic of your rig in the avatar thats cool

Yup, that's my ride. It's just like all of my other vehicles these days; Good for everything, but not great at anything. Well, it's IS pretty great in the snow.

JMHO - based on my experience with that same symptom, keep that hammer handy. You'll need it more and more often until one day it won't work. Also keep an eye out for a fuel pump so you can change it out before that final day.

Mine had the same symptom and one day the hammer trick didn't work. Its an easy fix for a new fuel pump and you can do in an hour.

Thanks fellas, I had that thought in my mind. I will get a new pump in the near future (as soon as I have a reliable income again). Hopefully, it won't be too long.