fuel pump Problems

[grandamjoe]

I as well as three family members have a 2000 model grand am and is experiencing fuel pump problem. I have searched this forum and also found other members with the same problems. The problem is the car won’t start until I get under the car a tap on the fuel tank until I hear the pump come on. GM knows this problem exists with the grand am's and won't do the right thing and issue a recall.

It is frustrating that I have to take a hammer and tap on the gas tank to get the fuel pump to start. At first thinking the fuel pump was the problem I had it replaced, costing me over $400 for the parts. Luckily I replaced it myself because the dealer wanted over $700.00 for the job.

Have anyone figured a work around for this problem?

Thanks in advance, Joe

[Themeneea]

maybe its the filter that sits in the tank. maybe its cloged or something. no idea

[grandamjoe]

thanks for the reply Themeneea but,
I changed the fuel filter when I replaced the pump. Mines wasn't in the tank but on the outside of the tank. With winter approching, I don't feel like crawling on the ground hitting the fuel tank with a hammer to start the car..

Anymore Ideals guys?

[HeyDace]

Unfortunately, there is no "work around" and its not just GM's, I've had to hammer on tanks of Fords also. It's good that you were able to do it yourself. Have your Family members contracted you to replace their pumps yet? LOL

[jordanGT]

rig up an electric device on a switch to hammer on the tank for you...that way you won't get cold and get snow up your shirt crawling around down there.
Unfortunately, I have no answers for you.

[rixGAphx]

Cut a trap door in the tunnel, so you can bang on it from above. At least you'll be warm and dry.





Seriously, I've never heard of this before.

Is there something in your Louisiana gasoline that rots the pump?

Has the bottom of the tank developed a downward bulge, such that the spring-loaded pump base isn't in proper contact?
If so, maybe 'debulge' it by CAREFULLY pressing upward with a 2x4 block and a jack.

Good luck!!!
-Rick

[grandamjoe]

You guys are killing me...........

The new pump was installed three months ago with no problem untill now however, my uncle has had the same problem for a while and three service shop hasn't come up with a solution..

[grandamjoe]

Okay it finally happend. The tapping on the fuel tank isn't working any longer. The car won't start and there isn't any sound(fuel pump) comming from the fuel tank. In the morning I will be taking the tank down to see if their is a loose wire.

[4kQuad]

There is also a screen in the fuel pump. it might be getting clogged from a tank of bad gas. Taping on the tank loosens enough crap from the screen that gas can get through.

Worth a check while your in there.

[grandamjoe]

**********************UPDATE******************

I finally found the problem to my Fuel Pump eractic behavior. I posted on another thread that I had replaced the pump several months ago and recently( two weeks ago) I had to keep tapping on the fuel tank so that the pump would start. Finally the tapping didn't work anymore.

This mornng I took the tank down and tested the pump and it worked fine so I took I look at the wire hardness and found that the one ( the single large connector) that attaches to the pump was only making contact with two out of four contacts on the connector. I replaced the entire contact and guess what, no problems.

This may or not be the problem with many on this forum if not, its beats spending $700 + for a new pump installed..