2002 chevolet cavalier no power to fuel pump or gauge

Here are the usual suspects:
stuck fuel valve/float valve in the carburetor.
clogged fuel filter. or fuel line.
defective fuel pump.
electric fuel pump may be just a blown fuse, or wiring problem. good hunting.

Assuming it is an in-tank fuel pump, the fact there are three wires would suggest it is a combined pump and fuel gauge sender. 8.6 volts between the fuel gauge wire and ground is a realistic figure but is insufficient to operate the fuel pump.
The fuel pump needs a good ground and a feed of 12 volts but for safety reasons power is only supplied to the pump during cranking and when the engine is running. The pump of some cars does run for about 2 seconds when the ignition is switched on.
Unless the fuel pump relay is removed and the terminals are bridged so a constant supply of power is provided at the pump it is very difficult to check the voltage.

It is relatively easy to test the pump by connecting it directly to a known good battery, taking all appropriate safety precautions.

If the pump tests ok the fault is possibly the relay, wiring or connections or perhaps the fuse.
It would be a good plan to check the fuse first.

you need a fuel pressure gauge to check fuel pressure, it needs to be 35lbs pressure. if you don`t hear the pump working try hitting the fuel tank while someone is trying to start it. if it starts the pump is no good, however this doesn`t necessarily work all the time. these are the easiest ways. next you will have to use a volt meter and find the power wire and ground wire for the fuel pump at the tank.

have you check the fuel pump relays and your imobliser if you have one

It can be low fuel pressure or clogged fuel filter or worn out fuel pump.

Check the help links mentioned below to troubleshoot the isue:----

FUEL SYSTEM PROBLEM

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Fuel pump relay and cooling fan relay troubleshooting on 1997 ford thunderbird?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/10/fuel-pump-relay-and-cooling-fan-relay.html

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How to Replace a Fuel Injector

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-fuel-injector.html

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How to Replace a Fuel Pressure Regulator?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-fuel-pressure-regulator.html

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How to Replace a Fuel Pump?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-replace-fuel-pump.html

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HOW TO CLEAN A FUEL SYSTEM

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-to-clean-fuel-system.html

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HOW TO REPLACE A FUEL TANK

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-replace-fuel-tank.html
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HOW TO REPLACE A FUEL TANK CAP

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-replace-fuel-tank-cap.html

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HOW TO REPLACE A FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/08/how-to-replace-fuel-pump-assembly.html

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Jaguar Fuel Pump

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/07/jaguar-fuel-pump.html

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Fuel leaks from fuel pulsation dampener on Toyota Corolla?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-leaks-from-fuel-pulsation-dampener.html

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Car will not allow to put fuel?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-will-not-allow-to-put-fuel.html

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Adding performance chip to increase Fuel mileage MPG?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/adding-performance-chip-to-increase.html

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How to test Electric fuel pump on GMC sonoma?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-test-electric-fuel-pump-on-gmc.html

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Fuel gauge drops to Empty?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/fuel-gauge-drops-to-empty.html

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Fuel pump not working on 1991 Ford Ranger?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/fuel-pump-not-working-on-1991-ford.html

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Fuel pump has no power on 2002 ford 350 7.3 diesel?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/fuel-pump-has-no-power-on-2002-ford-350.html

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Pushing on the gas pedal, but the car slows down? Gas pedal to the floor and the car slows down?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/pushing-on-gas-pedal-but-car-slows-down.html

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Ford Fuel pump Relay and fuse location diagram?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-fuel-pump-relay-and-fuse-location.html

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Ford inside fuse box diagram showing fuel pump relay?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-inside-fuse-box-diagram-showing.html

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Ford fuel pump fuse layout diagram?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-fuel-pump-fuse-layout-diagram.html

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How to lower fuel pressure on Toyota Hilux?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-lower-fuel-pressure-on-toyota.html

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Fuel pump not running?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/02/fuel-pump-not-running.html

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How to replace fuel filter on BMW 525i?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-fuel-filter-on-bmw-525i.html

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How to change fuel injector on 2005 gmc envoy?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-change-fuel-injector-on-2005-gmc.html

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Time to replace Fuel pump on 1998 Ford Explorer?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/time-to-replace-fuel-pump-on-1998-ford.html

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Emergency fuel shut switch on Ford car?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/emergency-fuel-shut-switch-on-ford-car.html

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How to jump fuel pump On Chevrolet Silverado 1500?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-jump-fuel-pump-on-chevrolet.html

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How to Increase gas mileage on 2011 2500HD Duramax 6.6?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-increase-gas-mileage-on-2011.html

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How to Test and Replace Fuel Injectors on Acura Car Models?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-test-and-replace-fuel-injectors.html

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How to replace Fuel Tank Assembly?

http://vwrepairhelp.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-fuel-tank-assembly.html

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FUEL LINES AND FITTINGS on Acura Car Models?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/fuel-lines-and-fittings-on-acura-car.html

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Replacing Fuel Charging Assembly on Car?

http://vwrepairhelp.blogspot.com/2011/11/replacing-fuel-charging-assembly-on-car.html

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How to replace Fuel Pressure Regulator?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-fuel-pressure-regulator.html

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How to test Fuel Pressure and replace Fuel Pump on Acura Car models?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-test-fuel-pressure-and-replace.html

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Car will not take fuel into the fuel tank?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/car-will-not-take-fuel-into-fuel-tank.html

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PGM-FI Main Relay on Acura Car models?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/pgm-fi-main-relay-on-acura-car-models.html

2003 Pontiac Grand Prix: Erratic Fuel Gauge?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/06/2003-pontiac-grand-prix-erratic-fuel.html

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Fuel Running Lean

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/10/fuel-running-lean.html

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ECM misfueling Engine?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/03/ecm-misfueling-engine.html

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After getting car washed, check engine light is ON and key less entry not working, tried reprogramming. Also car shows fuel pressure?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/after-getting-car-washedcheck-engine.html

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How to relieve fuel pressure?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/01/how-to-relieve-fuel-pressure.html

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Refueling problem?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/refueling-problem.html

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Toyota Tercel consuming more fuel?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2012/01/toyota-tercel-consuming-more-fuel.html

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How to maximize fuel economy on your vehicle?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-maximize-fuel-economy-on-your.html

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Fuel gauge jumps from empty to full?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/fuel-gauge-jumps-from-empty-to-full.html

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Gas gauge stuck on empty on 2002 Mercedes Benz 240c?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/02/gas-gauge-stuck-on-empty-on-2002.html

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No power to the control side of the fuel pump relay?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/no-power-to-control-side-of-fuel-pump.html

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Fuel Injection Problem And RPM suddenly increases

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/07/fuel-injection-problem-and-rpm-suddenly.html

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VAN emits whitish bluish smoke and bad fuel smell from exhaust

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/van-emits-whitish-bluish-smoke-and-bad.html

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Ford runs lean and idles rough?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-runs-lean-and-idles-rough.html

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Chevy Fuel pressure Reliving Procedure

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2012/11/chevy-fuel-pressure.html

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Fuel pressure and spark is good but ford escort will not start?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/01/fuel-pressure-and-spark-is-good-but.html

2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door will not open?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html

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2005 Lexus SC430: Fuel Door, Dome light and Fuel Gauge Fuse Location?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/2005-lexus-sc430-fuel-door-will-not.html

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1999 Chrysler Cirrus: 8 IGN Fuel Starter Fuse Blows?

http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/06/1999-chrysler-cirrus-8-ign-fuel-starter.html

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Dodge Dakota stalls, stumbles at idle. Has low fuel flow and runs hot?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/dodge-dakota-stallsstumbles-at-idlehas.html

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Toyota Fuel line diagram

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2012/12/toyota-fuel-line-diagram.html

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These will help.

Thanks.

Is there gas in the tank? Many GM fuel gauges have shown half-full when in actuality, the tank has run dry. Check injector circuits with a noid light or regular test light to see if the light flashes. If the light flashes, but the injectors are not spraying, check fuel pressure with a gauge. If no fuel pressure, ensure that the fuel pump fuse is not blown (many GM cars have the fuel pump fuse in an inline fuse holder) If the fuse is good, check that the fuel pump is receiving power and ground (positive and negative) If it is, and there is still no fuel pressure, the pump is bad, and the gas tank will have to be dropped to get the pump out. Good Luck.

As long as the car is running fine it's safe to say the fuel pump does not need to be replaced. However the fuel tank sending unit may need to be replaced assuming the fuel gauge itself isn't at fault. First check your owners manual if available for your fuse block info and check fuses then I'd look into the sending unit. Let me know if you need help with that

General answer is: Usually under the hood in Power Distribution Center by battery: Could be just a relay, or may be near battery on a black-covered thingy that has just enough room for a fuse or on the inner fender under hood and sometimes has to be pulled downward out of a plastic protector to see the fuse.  Could also be under the dash to the left of the steering column with other fuses.
To test if is fuel pump - remove connector from pigtail going to such into the tank if is in tank and not around passenger wheel then do same - and test for voltage as someone turns the ignition key on and off.  3 wires is 1 negative ground for each the fuel pump and the fuel gauge variable resistance unit.  A resistance is usually found between the gauge terminals and not for the pump or complete resistance -
A 12 volt positive can be placed (with fuse attached) inline from battery to test fuel pump. You have to cut the wire so it doesn't send voltage back into the system to the fuel pump relay. 
If you have voltage to fuel pump at pigtail to fuel pump when you first turn on key, then may be Crank-shaft positioning sensor or timing belt broken, ECM (Computer) or simply a wire corroded and broken in between - start with pigtail connector going reverse from fuel pump into the body - this is the most exposed area.
May be cheaper to bring to garage and have them put on computer for 80 to 90.00 Canadian typically at Canadian Tire.
You can do the work yourself once they have determined the fault.
Good luck - hope I've given you direction rather than more questions.
East Coast Canada Rocks!!!
:)
 

Yes the fuel tank has to come out to replace the fuel pump.Easier if tank is 1/4 tank or lower.Before doing this make sure that your getting power to the fuel pump.If not check the fuses and the connector for the fuel pump.You can check for power with a test light.It will be the gray wire.Light should come on when the key is turned on.Will only stay on for 2 or 3 seconds unless you crank it.Hope this helps.Good luck.

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.