Engine starts and immediately dies

mc9735

Active member
Apr 29, 2017
41
3
Chattanooga
I just read Spark6's thread on this scenario, and I hope to God I'm not about to face something as complex as what he's into. Sounds like a bad relay could also be the culprit? Also, what does " AEL Disco " mean?
 

lennonjon

Well-known member
Jun 21, 2010
65
4
Ashtabula, OH

Flyfish

Well-known member
Oct 29, 2004
1,402
212
52
St. Louis
Also, I did test for fuel pressure at rail...there isn't any. What should I test next? Relay before fuel pump?
Is the fuel pump running? If so, fuel filter and pressure regulator would be the next two things to check.
 

Spark6

Well-known member
Oct 31, 2020
127
40
New Hampshire
Is the fuel pump running? If so, fuel filter and pressure regulator would be the next two things to check.

The pump is a pretty easy thing to check. Have a helper put the key in position II and go back and stick your head inside the rear wheel well or to the floor of the rear compartment and listen. The pump should energize for about 4seconds with a whirring sound then shut off.
 

mc9735

Active member
Apr 29, 2017
41
3
Chattanooga
Just checked and I hear nothing coming from the wheel well when key turns to position II. Could the relay be bad or does this def point to pump?
 

mc9735

Active member
Apr 29, 2017
41
3
Chattanooga
I can do that, but if the relay is bad, would there be power going to the pump? also, I don't know if this could have impacted relays or the ECM, but this problem started about the same time I ran this power wire to a larger car audio amp...maybe routing the wire next to these components wasn't smart? IMG_20210108_131655343_HDR.jpg
 

robbyb20

Well-known member
Oct 2, 2019
227
34
Seattle
I can do that, but if the relay is bad, would there be power going to the pump? also, I don't know if this could have impacted relays or the ECM, but this problem started about the same time I ran this power wire to a larger car audio amp...maybe routing the wire next to these components wasn't smart? View attachment 60458
For whats its worth, i have 2 small amps in mine with the power routed just like yours. unplugged or not, doesnt impact my car or voltage readings.
 

Levi

Well-known member
Jul 27, 2004
559
26
Cheyenne, WY
I can do that, but if the relay is bad, would there be power going to the pump? also, I don't know if this could have impacted relays or the ECM, but this problem started about the same time I ran this power wire to a larger car audio amp...maybe routing the wire next to these components wasn't smart?

If you have power then it's the pump, if not then look at the relay. Also look for broken wires or a bad connection when you're checking the power.
 

Spark6

Well-known member
Oct 31, 2020
127
40
New Hampshire
I can do that, but if the relay is bad, would there be power going to the pump?

No, if the relay is bad, then you won't have power to the pump. However, you could have a good relay, and a bad inertia switch, which would still mean no power to the pump. The inertia switch is on the firewall between the washer reservoir and the motor. (First check that the plunger button is depressed! If it isn't, then the inertia switch has triggered, and resetting it might solve your issue. After that, pull the plug, and test for voltage into the Inertia Switch on selection of position II. (I forget which side of the plug is power in, and which side is power out.) If you get power there, then your relay is closing.

Alternatively, as Levi says, you can pull the rear carpet, and do the same voltage check at the pump. (That's the way I started my bug hunt.) But, if you don't have volts at the pump, then you'll work "backwards" up the wiring harness to the power source. It's really dealers' choice, as you'll end up checking all the same stuff, but if you want to rule out the relay first, then I'd personally start near the relay, and the inertia switch plug is the least invasive place to do that.

Wherever you test, the wire you're looking for is white/purple.
 

mc9735

Active member
Apr 29, 2017
41
3
Chattanooga
whelp, this is embarrassing...it was just the inertia switch 🙄 Sorry to waste y'alls' time, but really appreciate the help! I learned some stuff, too :)

Good luck Spark6! I will continue to follow your saga as well...lol.

Thanks again, guys.
 
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Spark6

Well-known member
Oct 31, 2020
127
40
New Hampshire
whelp, this is embarrassing...it was just the inertia switch 🙄 Sorry to waste y'alls' time, but really appreciate the help! I learned some stuff, too :)

Good luck Spark6! I will continue to follow your saga as well...lol.

Thanks again, guys.

Not embarrassing! You troubleshot you a resolution! Bravo!
 
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