TPI Tuned Port Injection discussion and questions. LB9 and L98 tech, porting, tuning, and bolt-on aftermarket products.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Fuel pump runs all time

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 16, 2020 | 09:30 AM
  #1  
babyelephant's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Norway
Car: 1987 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Fuel pump runs all time

1987 Trans Am GTA 5,7 TPI auto, with digital dash.

What causes the fuel pump to run at all time the ignition switch is activated? It doesn't stop after a few seconds, but runs until car stop/ignition shut.

Tests performed:
1. Fuel pressure measured 44 with ignition on, drops to 36 after startup. Keeps pressure after ignition off. Should be OK ref Haynes.
2. Activated terminal G at OBD-port, fuel pump engages.
3. Pulled fuse 2 for fuel pump makes no difference.
4. Pulled fuel pump relay makes no difference.
5. Unclipped oil pressure switch above oil filter makes no difference. (don't know if, either)
6. Pulled wiring clip above rear diff/fuel tank, yes, makes it stop.
7. Fuel filter is brand new AC Delco part.

I haven't the complete history on this car. Is there an obvious reason, a switch or sensor that goes bad? I've searched the forum for similar problems and learned of cars which fuel pump has been hardwired to the ignition for some reason. May have happened to my car too? That may affect the lifetime of the pump negative?
Reply
Old May 16, 2020 | 11:17 AM
  #2  
LiquidBlue's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 2,194
Likes: 246
From: Austin, TX
Car: 90 Formula / T-tops
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: MD8
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

If you're pulling all the fuses and relays that should disengage the pump, then it sounds like someone has bypassed those somewhere.
Reply
Old May 16, 2020 | 04:28 PM
  #3  
SbFormula's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 195
From: Canada
Car: '18 Chev Camaro SS 1LE
Engine: LT1 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.91
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Originally Posted by babyelephant
4. Pulled fuel pump relay makes no difference.
That is weird! Fuel pump cannot operate without relay.

Are you sure you are pulling the fuel pump relay or the fan relay?

Fuel pump relay could be stuck in closed circuit
Reply
Old May 17, 2020 | 12:35 AM
  #4  
babyelephant's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Norway
Car: 1987 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Originally Posted by SbFormula
That is weird! Fuel pump cannot operate without relay.

Are you sure you are pulling the fuel pump relay or the fan relay?

Fuel pump relay could be stuck in closed circuit
makes me think, There are three relays on the driver’s side firewall and I was told FP is the one closest to dizzy. (The one in middle states MAF). I will check wire colors if they are swapped (if possible)
Reply
Old May 17, 2020 | 08:07 AM
  #5  
Vader's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,677
Likes: 314
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Actually, the fuel pump can run without the relay. The oil pressure switch is in place specifically for that purpose.

Check the oil pressure switch at the rear ledge of the block, just behind the intake on the left side.


Last edited by Vader; May 17, 2020 at 08:11 AM.
Reply
Old May 17, 2020 | 08:13 AM
  #6  
Vader's Avatar
Moderator
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 19,677
Likes: 314
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

This is the common relay arrangement:


Reply
Old May 17, 2020 | 08:16 AM
  #7  
SbFormula's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 195
From: Canada
Car: '18 Chev Camaro SS 1LE
Engine: LT1 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.91
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Originally Posted by babyelephant
makes me think, There are three relays on the driver’s side firewall and I was told FP is the one closest to dizzy. (The one in middle states MAF). I will check wire colors if they are swapped (if possible)

Last edited by SbFormula; May 17, 2020 at 04:32 PM.
Reply
Old May 17, 2020 | 04:33 PM
  #8  
SbFormula's Avatar
Supreme Member
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,370
Likes: 195
From: Canada
Car: '18 Chev Camaro SS 1LE
Engine: LT1 6.2L
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.91
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Originally Posted by Vader
Actually, the fuel pump can run without the relay. The oil pressure switch is in place specifically for that purpose.

Check the oil pressure switch at the rear ledge of the block, just behind the intake on the left side.

Oups!! you’re right.
I forgot about that. thought the oil pressure switch was controlling the relay... which would make no sense!
Cheers
Reply
Old May 26, 2020 | 12:27 AM
  #9  
babyelephant's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 54
Likes: 1
From: Norway
Car: 1987 Trans Am GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Re: Fuel pump runs all time

Originally Posted by SbFormula



Haven't had time to work on this topic for some days. Sorry guys for confusing you, but apparently my fuel pump relay is located closest to fender. The fuel pump indeed cut when pulling this! The numbers crossreferenced (Rock Auto page) with the relay closest to distributor, so I tried to swap them, but made no difference as the fuel pump kept on spinning for as long as ignition is on.

I did also pull the oil pressure sending unit above the filter, and mounted a new from Standard (only one available local). No difference.

I don't know my next step...

Originally Posted by Vader
Actually, the fuel pump can run without the relay. The oil pressure switch is in place specifically for that purpose.

Check the oil pressure switch at the rear ledge of the block, just behind the intake on the left side.

Thank you. I think my car differ a bit from your picture? You mention a pressure switch, is it the same as the oil pressure sending unit/switch located above the oil filter?
​​​​​​​The gauge sender behind the distributor, I replaced two weeks ago, due to wrong reading in my digital dash (solved this).

Last edited by babyelephant; May 26, 2020 at 12:49 AM.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
jstringer50
Tech / General Engine
6
Sep 7, 2008 08:13 PM
camaro350tpi
TPI
8
Aug 9, 2006 10:00 AM
camaro350tpi
Tech / General Engine
5
Jul 31, 2006 09:34 PM
GTA-SPD
Tech / General Engine
4
Aug 2, 2002 01:32 PM
69 Mustang
TPI
2
May 11, 2002 09:16 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:47 AM.