☰
GET A QUOTE

Q: After fuel pump & filter replacements, car won't start

asked by on June 24, 2016

Even though I replaced the fuel pump and the filter, my car still won’t start. I checked the relays and all of them are good. The fuel rail has pressure going to it and the pump does kick on. With starting fluid, it will turn over. What ideas can you give me to get my car running. Thanks.

Recommended Services

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Or For Any Other Auto Repairs Get a Quote

Hello there, I’ll be happy to assist you! The problem is likely within the VATS (Vehicle Anti-Theft System) of the vehicle. More specifically the issue you are having is generally caused by broken sensor inside of the ignition lock cylinder. I’m more inclined to think that the ignition key cylinder is your problem because if it fails the fuel pump will send gas to the engine but the computer won’t send spark to the engine, causing a no start condition.

I’d recommend having a certified technician remove your ignition key cylinder to test it and inspect the related wiring to properly diagnose your starting issue. Also, being that the vehicle will not start you may benefit from a mobile automotive repair services such as YourMechanic.

Chevrolet
fluids
2004
fuel pumps
fuel system
Classic
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

My engine is knocking.
The noise you are hearing is a pretty common issue in these engines. The noise is caused by one or more of the cylinder head camstand cam followers along with the valve springs. This engine has high cam failures and...
Read more
Car misfiring, running rough.
The lean codes on this engine could mean you have a lean condition that the computer sees as a problem. The computer would need to be scanned (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-is-misfiring-inspection) to see if the mass air flow sensor is reading correctly (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/air-fuel-ratio-sensor-replacement)....
Read more
Service light turns on momentarily when I start my car
This light comes on every 7,500 miles to remind you to service your vehicle. This indicator is manually reset, however, and should not be used as a guideline for actual service. So, it doesn't mean anything is wrong with your...
Read more
Can ur upper control arms be bad if the rubber is cracked
If you suspect that your upper control arm (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-control-arm-assembly) is not bad, it's best to get a second opinion to be sure. When I diagnose vehicles, I am sure to explain my findings to the customer and let them know...
Read more
swinging steering wheel 65mph
Hello. It is possible that there is a problem with the wheel bearings (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-bearings-replacement), front ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ball-joint-front-replacement), and rear ball joints (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/ball-joint-rear-replacement), and control arms (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/control-arm-assembly-replacement). These components have been known to cause the problem you are experiencing. If...
Read more
My car stalled, I checked the oil and it was low. I added 2 quarts and barely made it 4 blocks. There is no pressure when pressing the gas.
This may or may not be related to the low oil level (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/oil-level-is-low-inspection). If the car was overheated and potentially has developed a blown head gasket, this may be possibly what have caused the stall. When this happens, the cylinder...
Read more
When putting oil in it pours back out and the oil pressure light is on.
It sounds as though you either have blown out an oil filter seal, or an oil cooler seal. The oil cooler is a black box on the front of the engine with a couple of hoses going to it. The...
Read more
Changing tailight/brake light double filament bulb on 08 sienna. Bulb is stuck in socket. Bad. Can't pull it out. Any ideas?
If the bulbs are stuck in the sockets then the sockets most likely got overheated from the bulbs and deformed the socket. You will need to replace the sockets and the bulbs.
Read more
VVT vs VCT
Mike, we are happy to clarify. VVT (variable valve timing) is a general term for the system that keeps timing of the valves, and is typically designed to work with the camshaft. A VCT (variable cam timing) can be considered...
Read more

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're a Carpenter
If If you're a carpenter, and working for someone else, the best used car is whatever you like that gets you to work on time and holds your tools – in short, practically any used car will do. If you...
Read more
How to Buy a Classic Chevy
For experienced car collectors and rookies alike, owning a classic Chevy is a rite of passage. There are multiple decades and styles in which Chevrolet made popular cars. Many of these cars then had a devout following in the years...
Read more
How to Check the 5 Essential Fluids in Your Car
Checking your oil and adding engine coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid are essential for maintaining your car.
Read more

Browse other content

Cities
Cars
Estimates
Services