Thinking of buying another '88 GTA. Went and tried to get it started yesterday but Im 99% sure the fuel pump is bad. Is there any way to test either the pump or the relay while everything is still in the car? I don't think Im going to buy it unless I can hear it run. Any ideas or suggestions would really help.

When you turn the ignition you can't hear the pump build pressure at all. So either its not getting power or its just bad.

 

Check the fues panal and see if the fues is blown, also if you can get ahold of a fuel pressure guage take a reading, and that will tell you if you are atleast getting fuel.

 

Yeah, I checked the fuses. Everything was good there. I figured when I didn't hear the pump start when I turned the ignition I was in trouble. I called around today and got a real good price on getting a new one installed. I hope thats all it is.

 

Did you by any chance think to check the 20 AMP fuse located up near the battery. That is what sends power to the fuel pump relay when you turn the key.

 

Im pretty sure I checked them all, I'll head over there again in the next few days with a new battery and try it again. I think the starter is junk in it too.

 

You can test the pump by applying 12 volts to terminal G of the ALDL connector. Use a 10-15 amp fuse in line with the test lead. G bypasses everything and goes directly to the pump.

 

Is that the connector thats right in front of the gas tank under the car?

 

No, the connector that he is talking about is this one located under the dash by the drivers right knee. What you are talking about is the actual connector that comes off the fuel pump sending unit. Purple wire goes to the gage, black is ground and gray or tan (depends on make, model, & year) is power.

 

Thanks a ton man. I'll try that before I go and replace the pump.

So I just ground the negative terminal to the car and then run a test lead with a fuse to the G terminal and I should hear the pump start if its good right?

 

Yep!!!! That be right!!!

 

IIRC, you can also listen for the Fuel Pump Relay. When you turn the key to the on position, you should hear it "click." My dad was ready to change the pump out and before he could, I got it working by changing the relay.

 

You don't need a ground. Hook a test lead to 12 volts with a fuse inline to G. If you are going to use a jump pack or external battery then you need to ground the neg to the frame or a good ground.

 

I see what you are saying now. Just run a test lead of the battery connection of the fuse panel with a fuse in line to the G terminal. Now its all clear.....

 

Where is the relay?

 

Ok, I know what the relay looks like now. Where is it located in the car?

 

They are on the firewall on th drivers side theres a little group of them. There's picture of the them and what they are floating around this site, but I can't seem to find it. If anybody else knows where it is or has, maybe they'll post it.

 

I went on Advance Auto's site and found what it looked like. I found it in the car. Im going over there Friday with a new relay to see what happens. Cross your fingers for me...