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Posted on Mar 01, 2011
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Won't hold a charge. Have had Alternator and Battery tested. I know I need a fuel pump. Is the fuel pump electric and is it in the gas tank? Lights are very dim. I charge the battery everynight. Mileage less than 200M. I have electric windows that don't go up or down. How can I determine what is draining my battery?

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  • Posted on Mar 02, 2011
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If the lights are dim when the car is running, it is not charging well. Who tested the alternator? Is the alternator well grounded to the engine? I think those older alternators required a ground strap around the alternator mounting.
Though I suspect the problem is not a drain, the way to find the drain on this car is to disconnect one battery cable and put a voltmeter between the cable and the battery terminal. If it is draining, you will see 12.6 volts on the meter. If you see only 3 or 4 volts, it is not draining.
(note that this technique does not work on newer cars with computers, and some dash clocks can confound this test)
Assuming that you see full battery voltage, start pulling fuses until the voltage showing on the meter drops. When that happens, you are on the right track. At least you will know what fuse to pull at night to keep it from draining.

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No power/ won't turn over.

check your battery AND the battery cables for extreme corrosion issues, also, how old is the battery? the alternator may not be charging the battery enough(should be producing about 14.2 or more volts as the alternator needs a couple of volts itself to operate properly). you might need to replace your alternator. good luck.
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Know 2001Saturn ran out of has, was getting fuel,but it started with starter spray but won't stay running,battery is almost fully dead ,could that be why I am now not getting any fuel

no as long as its running the alternator will suply electric with it running out of fuel the pump and filter would have pulled all the muck from inside the tank put plenty of fuel in maybe quarter of a tanks charge battery after a few days it should be ok but if not get fuel filter changed hope this helps ivan
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Was having problems and my mechanic said was transmission and fuel pump. just got car back yesterday and it drove like the transmission was still slippin and the check engine light came on. this morning i...

Sounds like battery or battery cable problems to me.
If the battery is bad, you cannot trust ANYTHING the computer is telling you. They tend to set all kinds of codes when the battery has a shorted cell. (including fuel pump circuit and transmission system codes) They get "delirious" from malnutrition. You need to have your charging/starting system thoroughly tested.

Please read these articles:
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When I insert my key to start the engine on my 1998 volkswagen beetle it takes sevral attempt to start the engine?

(have a diagnostics test done on the car) this will alert a mechanic (auto parts dealer rep.) of any codes that may tell them what is wrong or if anything needs serviced or replaced.

1. If the car has a strong turn over, you may need a new alternator. Usually when it's strong enough to turn the engine over, but does not start right away, the alternator is not holding enough charge, or has just enough to turn it over after a few trys. This will also cause the battery to go dead as well after so many attempts (days).

2. Have the alternator and battery tested. If these are both good, then it may be the starter itself, or possibly the starter relay. Considering the starter relay is cheaper than a starter, have it replaced first, and see if that helps. These get weak over time from the flow of electricity. It will be located in the relay box under the hood, usually near battery - this is a farily newer car so call an auto parts dealer for details as to its locatioin.

3. If the relay makes no changes, and before replacing the starter, consider replacing the fuel filter. If this is plugged, it may cause the fuel pump from pumping sufficient fuel to the engine - this usually causes a hesitation while driving, so if this is not an issue, than this may eliminate it right away. However, as an FYI, it never hurts to replace the fuel filter as they should be changed at least once a year,or at every tune up service.

4. Lastly, if any of the above do not work, replace the starter, and POSSIBLY the fuel pump. If the car drives normal after starting, then the fuel pump is probably okay. If you feel any type of hesitation, simply fill your tank with regular(unleaded) gas and use a can of SeaFoam to clean the fuel lines, as well as the intake, fuel injectors, and fuel filter.

Please let me know if you need further assistance.

carsandcomps

Guru, Premium Expert @ Fixya.com
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How do u get the fuel pump on

Removal & Installation To Remove:
  1. Before servicing the vehicle, refer to the precautions in the beginning of this section.
  2. Shift the vehicle into NEUTRAL and position it on a hoist.
  3. Release the fuel pressure.
  4. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  5. Remove the fuel tank filler cap.
  6. Drain as much fuel from the tank as possible.
  7. Using suitable hose pinching pliers, clamp the fuel tank filler hose. Clamp the fuel tank filler hose in the location shown ford-05-00-396.gif

  8. Disconnect the three quick connect couplings from the fuel tank tubes at the tank.
  9. Disconnect the fuel pump electrical connector.
  10. Disconnect the fuel filter inlet tube from the filter.
  11. Position a suitable lifting device under the fuel tank.
  12. Remove the two fuel tank support strap bolts.
  13. Lower the fuel tank to access the fuel pump module while swinging the fuel tank support straps away from the tank.
  14. Clean the area around the fuel pump mounting flange.
  15. Disconnect the fuel pump module electrical connector and the fuel pump module fuel outlet tube.
  16. Using the special tool, turn the fuel pump module retaining ring counterclockwise and remove it. CAUTION
    The fuel pump module must be handled carefully to avoid damage to the float arm, filter and convolute hoses.
  17. Turn the fuel pump module counterclockwise and the fuel pump module will release from the locking tabs. Remove the fuel pump module from the fuel tank.
To Install:
  1. Install the fuel pump module in the fuel tank.
  2. Connect the fuel pump module electrical connector and the fuel pump module fuel outlet tube.
  3. Raise the tank into position and install the mounting strap bolts. Tighten the bolts to 26 ft-lbs (35 Nm).
  4. Connect the fuel lines and electrical connectors at the fuel tank.
  5. Lower the vehicle and refill the tank.
  6. Connect the negative battery cable.
  7. Turn the ignition key to the ON position to pressurize the fuel system.
  8. Visually inspect the fuel system for leaks.
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1answer

Brake light on, gas light on, battery light on. Dashboard lights.

Hi, that would be your alternator needs to be overhauled. The battery light is usually a good indicator that your alternator is not charging.
You'll need to get the bearings,brushes, and vacum pump seals replaced. Hopefully the regulator is ok, but they will test this when you get it repaired.

In short your alternator is not charging....

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02 yukon died on freeway electric problem or fuel

When you said checked the fuel filter, did you mean changed the filter?? And does the Battery hold 12 volts?? Check the battery to make sure it has 12 volts. If you have a second car, take the alternator off and bring it to a auto parts store like Auto Zone and they can test it free of charge and battery too. Change the fuel filter, if both are good then check all the fuses and relay, Pay attention to the fuel pump fuse and ECM fuse. If everything has is good then it's going to be a bad fuel pump, which is located in the gas tank. That requires to dropping the tank to get to the fuel pump. Good luck and hope this helps.
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Have you checked fuel pressure? Have you checked the distributor cap, they are known for going bad.
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