SureTrack Real Fix: Too Much Resistance

Sometimes a minor part can cause you trouble but it’s fairly simple to track it down for the fix. Follow this Real Fix to see how a bad fuel pump resistor was causing a no start condition on this 2001 Buick Regal.

Vehicle
2001 Buick Regal GS 3.8L

Title
Engine Does Not Start, Replaced Fuel Pump Resistor

Complaint
The customer states the engine will not start.

Cause
Confirmed the customer’s complaint and found the engine did not start. Connected a spark tester to a spark plug wire, cranked the engine and found spark was present. Connected the spark tester to the remaining spark plug wires, cranked the engine and found spark was present. Connected a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel pressure test port, cranked the engine and found there was no measured fuel pressure. Visually inspected the fuel pump wiring harness and found no obvious signs of damage. Disconnected the fuel pump connector, visually inspected the connector and terminals and found no obvious signs of damage. Used a multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage and ground at the fuel pump, cranked the engine and found voltage was not present. Observed the fuel pump relay while commanding the fuel pump on with a scan tool, and found the relay made an audible click. Used the scan tool to command the fuel pump relay on while using the multi-meter to check for the presence of voltage at the output circuit of relay, and found voltage was present. Used the multi-meter to measure the resistance of the fuel pump resistor and found the measured resistance was above specifications. These test results verified the fuel pump resistor was faulty.

Correction
Replaced the fuel pump resistor and verified the vehicle operated properly. The customer’s concern did not return.