My 2001 Montero Sport (NOT 4WD) will not start. I suspect the fuel pump has gone bad. How can I be sure? The engine turns over and the spark plugs ARE firing. I also suspect it may be an electrical issue since my wife mentioned an electrical burning smell when she tried to start the vehicle.

You can get a spray can of carb cleaner and spray a little in the intake. If it starts, then your problem is definitely fuel - related. It could be a number of things if it is fuel related, but the fuel pump is the most common cause. The only way to know for sure is to check the fuel pressure at the fuel rail then check to make sure the computer is firing the injectors. You should be able to hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds if you listen at the fuel tank while someone turns the ignition to the "Run" position. However, the fuel pump could be running and not putting out enough pressure to start the engine. If you can't hear it at all, then most likely, that is what your problem is. The second most likely cause if you can't hear the fuel pump is the security system may have the fuel disabled for one reason or another.

Car dosent start battery good they said there
Is a sensor in the console ?