Chevrolet fuel pump
Chevrolet fuel pump failures are a common and growing problem. These defective fuel pumps can cause a stalling condition or a no start problem. This is most common on Chevrolet truck models from 1996 to 2003 model years. You can go on many automotive forums and see people discussing this far-reaching problem. Replacement of the fuel pump is not a quick or easy job due to the fact that the pump is in tank mounted and the fuel pump is replaced as a unit. The replacement parts for the job are also not inexpensive. To make matters worse, what I have seen are repeat failures of the replacement unit. I have experienced this myself and again I have seen it many a times on popular automotive repair forums. Chevrolet fuel pump failure
The original Chevy pump motor has a life expectancy of about 15-20 years. Running the vehicle out of fuel, which will actually run the pump in a dry state can shorten the expected life span and reduce the operating pressure considerably. Gasoline is a petroleum product and actually lubricates the inside of the fuel pump. The more you run the vehicle low on fuel or out of fuel the more damage will occur and the quicker the pump will fail. When you buy the replacement parts from Delco, which is what I do for my customers and also recommend to driveway mechanics, they will sell you a complete fuel pump module. This factory replacement unit also includes the fuel level gauge sender, hanger assembly and tank filter sometimes called the sock.
But I have experienced repeat failures, even when using the direct expensive replacement Delco fuel pump module. I found a factory service bulletin that addresses just this problem. I made a short video that reviews the technical service bulletin and outlines a few steps you can take to reduce repeat failures. Chevrolet fuel pump technical service bulletin
The technical service bulletin that explains the cause of the repeat failure of the Chevy fuel pump replacement unit covers all years from 1996 to 2003 and includes all of the pickup trucks. Also included is the Tahoe and suburban and their GMC counterparts such as the Sierra and Envoy. Oh and don't forget the Cadillac Escalade is also included. The Chevrolet service bulletin states that the cause of the repeat failures is due to worn or damaged electrical connectors at the fuel pump assembly. When you get the Delco replacement parts it comes with a new connector on the fuel pump side. The problem is the connector on the vehicle side of the harness. Chevrolet states that this connector should be replaced along with the fuel pump assembly.
Failure to replace the electrical connector on the harness side can sometimes cause an excessive voltage drop across the new fuel pump. Over time this can damage the new part. Replacement of the harness connector is a fairly simple operation and the parts are readily available from your GM dealer parts department. With the cost and difficulty of the repair, it is wise to follow this technical service bulletin and take a few extra minutes to replace the connector. In my own personal experience I have had no comebacks since employing this new procedure. Give this Chevrolet fuel pump repair page a bookmark or share with a friend. Then visit the fix cars blog for more auto repair information. You can have instant access to the specific repair procedures for your vehicle. You can also find wiring diagrams and tech tips along with parts and labor estimates. Bring your at home auto repairs to the next level with All-Data online manuals. Do you want to talk with a mechanic or need car repair help right now? The video section of this auto repair website has received a lot of positive feedback. In fact it has more visitors than any other page. Watch a few of my online auto repair videos This Chevrolet fuel pump story is just one of my auto repair news articles that you may find helpful. This next link will take you from Chevrolet fuel pump to the auto repair news page search both of my automobile websites and all of my online content.  Custom Search If you would like to find out more about what is offered on this auto repair website please visit the homepage from this next link. You can also find out more about the mechanics that built it and why they think that many people can fix their own vehicles with some quality auto repair advice. |
Some aftermarket replacement pumps just include the motor. This means you just replace the motor and transfer the used fuel pump sock, fuel sending unit, and hanger assembly. This process leaves more room for error and is also a large cause of repeat failures.