Car Died. Diagnosis?

[liquidtiger720]

So guys....the car died today in a parking lot.

~Car was running fine all day.
~I turned the car on to leave the lot, and it started fine. As I started backing out, the car starts to stutter and eventually shuts itself off.
~Try again, engine tries to start....stays on (running rough) for a few seconds, and dies.
~ Try again...all thats happening is the starter spinning the engine.


~verdict??


Sounds like a fuel pump to me, but I'd like to know everybody else's opinion first on what to check before I buy the parts to replace. Thanks!

[cableface]

So guys....the car died today in a parking lot.

~Car was running fine all day.
~I turned the car on to leave the lot, and it started fine. As I started backing out, the car starts to stutter and eventually shuts itself off.
~Try again, engine tries to start....stays on (running rough) for a few seconds, and dies.
~ Try again...all thats happening is the starter spinning the engine.


~verdict??


Sounds like a fuel pump to me, but I'd like to know everybody else's opinion first on what to check before I buy the parts to replace. Thanks!

Simple stuff first. How long has it been since the fuel filter was changed?

[HDhandyman]

Well, I mean if you're gonna change the fuel filter, why wouldn't you just change the fuel pump @ the same time, cableface?

[Alexlind123]

Well, I mean if you're gonna change the fuel filter, why wouldn't you just change the fuel pump @ the same time, cableface?

Uhh...the fuel filter is a completely different animal from the fuel pump. The fuel pump is at the bottom of the fuel tank. The fuel filter is outside the tank right by the passenger side wheel and it very easy to replace. Could it perhaps be that youre out of gas? Is it possible that your fuel guage failed?

[cableface]

Well, I mean if you're gonna change the fuel filter, why wouldn't you just change the fuel pump @ the same time, cableface?

Well, I changed my filter out in about 15 mins at a cost of 10 bucks. Pretty sure that the pump takes a couple hours or so, depending on if you have to cut the lines. I know it for sure costs more. Plus the filter's regular maintanence. At least that's the way I was taught

[cableface]

Uhh...the fuel filter is a completely different animal from the fuel pump. The fuel pump is at the bottom of the fuel tank. The fuel filter is outside the tank right by the passenger side wheel and it very easy to replace. Could it perhaps be that youre out of gas? Is it possible that your fuel guage failed?

That's an excellent point. That happened to me on a Toyota. I felt pretty embarassed but there was really no way to know with a faulty gauge.

[wingman]

Well, I mean if you're gonna change the fuel filter, why wouldn't you just change the fuel pump @ the same time, cableface?

Fuel filter= about $30 Fuel Pump= about $300. Do you buy a new pair of shoes every time you change your socks?

[liquidtiger720]

Fuel filter was replaced about 30,000 miles ago?

[cableface]

Fuel filter was replaced about 30,000 miles ago?

Hmm... prolly needs changed but I doubt that's your problem. I guess it's on to a fuel compression test????

[wingman]

I had a couple of fuel pumps go in the E12. Usually due to crappy fuel. When they went the car didn't even start I just got the starter spinning and that's it. Get someone to start the car when you are down the back near the tank. If you can't hear the pump buzzing that could be your problem. If it isn't you'll have to find out why (pump itself, fuse for pump, loose wire etc etc). Good luck.