Q: Fuel pump does not turn off after 1-2 seconds

asked by on July 06, 2016

The difficulty with my van is possibly the fuel pump. It does not turn off after 1 to 2 seconds after I turn the ignition switch halfway. When this happens the engine will not start. If the fuel pump shuts off after only 1 ½ seconds, the engine will start, runs smoothly for a while, and then it begins to hesitate and won’t run. It is almost as if the choke is closed. (This engine does not have a choke, I’m just explaining what it seems like is happening.) What is your assessment of this problem and how to fix it?

Car is hard to start Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

The fuel pump is commanded on by the ECM. If it runs all the time, then this is a fault with the computer rather than the fuel pump. Good power and ground connections should be verified at the ECM, but it is likely you have a bad ECM. If you need to have this checked, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your home or office to diagnose the hard starting issue and let you know what needs to be repaired.

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

What does the anti-lock brake system (ABS) Warning Light mean?
The anti-lock brake system (ABS) Warning Light is located on the instrument panel. This light illuminates when your ABS is not functioning properly, and has been shut down. When this happens, your normal brake system will still function properly, but...
Engine is knocking
Have you checked your oil level lately? Many times low oil level causes low oil pressure. Low oil pressure will make the engine knock because the oil is not lubricating the engine. If this happens for long enough it can...
Car overheats after replacing radiator
While there could be a few different causes that could lead to a vehicle overheating after a repair, it sounds like your Acura TL may have had an issue where air was left in the cooling system after the radiator...
A/C blows only hot air
Hello. This can be a module, but it can also be an issue within the system (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/4-essential-things-you-should-know-about-the-heating-and-air-conditioning-system-in-your-car). I typically check the system pressures first. If the pressures are fine and are functioning right then the actuators under the dash need...
transmission
With your car having 250,000 miles on it, some mechanical issues may be expected at this point. I am assuming here that the transmission has this many miles as well. This is about the time that all the friction material...
I'm having a problem with my car shifting hard in first and second gear it does this after about 20 mins of driving it
Hello. From what you describe it would appear that your issue may be occurring after your vehicle warms up. The first thing I would do is check your vehicle's transmission fluid (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-fluid-service) to see if it may perhaps be low...
2005 F250 5.4L Gas Will Not Start-HELP Please!
It sounds like you may be having an issue with the starter solenoid or the starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement). The relay is overload protected, so if the system is trying to pull too much amperage, it will shut down. Also, if...
Car won't go forward when it's on Drive.
Hello, the concern you have I strongly advise not to drive. The issue needs to be addressed, the vehicle will become inoperable. The automatic transmission has 3 systems; electronic, hydraulic, and mechanical. What describe could be an internal mechanical...
Overheating, blowing cold air, and engine block shakes when in neutral or park.
Hello, you are probably right, with little to no flow of the coolant being the issue. This would have to be inspected for head gasket failure. The coolant fans are on because the computer reacts to overheating inputs. Over...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Ford Escape Hybrid
Over Over the past few years, we’ve seen a major trend toward people choosing crossover utility vehicles (CUVs) over larger SUVs. The big motivator here, of course, is buying a more eco-friendly vehicle that will also save you a bundle...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Electronic Ignition Pickup
If your car has an electronic distributor ignition system and the engine stalls or car does not start, you may have to replace the ignition pickup.
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Starter
Common signs include the engine not turning over, starter engaging but not spinning the motor, and grinding noises or smoke when starting the motor.