Tuesday, April 29, 2014
How to Tell If Your Fuel Pump Is Broken
The fuel pump is an essential component of a vehicle. Fuel is pumped from the fuel tank to the engine. Without a functioning fuel pump, adequate fuel pressure cannot be delivered to the engine. This will cause problems such as hard starting, rough idle, misfiring, hesitation and stalling and can even prevent the car from starting . This may happen at the most inconvenient time. If you suspect that your fuel pump is broken, there are certain tests that you can perform to confirm it.
Instructions
- 1
Listen for a humming sound that normally occurs when the key is turned to the "Start" position. Turn the key in the ignition to the "Start" position and listen for a humming sound from the fuel tank. A hum means that the pump is in working condition.
2Check if your fuel pump is broken by doing a static fuel test. Turn the key in the ignition to the "on" position. Look at the fuel pressure gauge to detect movements. The fuel pressure should immediately come up and stay steady. If it doesnt, that can indicate that there is a defect in the fuel pump.
3Connect a voltage meter to the wires that connect to your fuel pump. Connect the voltage meter to the green wire. The fuel pump wires are located under the vehicle, behind the drivers door. Let someone start the engine while the voltage meter is connected to the wire. A normal reading is between 10 to 11 volts. If there is a zero reading, this usually mean that the fuel pump is bad.
Monday, January 27, 2014
How to Tell If Fuses Are Good
Replacing a blown fuse is the quickest and simplest fix you can do to your car. When a car accessory isnt working the first thing you should check are your fuses, as a broken fuse will result in some vehicle component not working.
Instructions
- 1
Locate your vehicles fuse box. Most vehicle fuse boxes are under the hood near the firewall, or under the dash. Consult your owners manual if you are having difficulty locating the fuse box and for the proper fuse ratings for your vehicle.
2Open the fuse box.
3Remove the fuse caully by using the fuse puller located in the fuse box. Grasp the fuse with the puller and pull straight out. If there is no fuse puller for your vehicle you can use a pair of needle-nose pliers.
4Inspect the fuse. If the metal inside the fuse is separated the fuse has failed and needs to be replaced. If the metal is intact the fuse is still in working condition and can be reinstalled.
5Replace fuse. If the fuse was blown, replace with a new fuse that is rated at the value recommended by your owners manual.
