Q: I have a new fuel pump and there is no fuel to the engine

asked by on October 20, 2016

Replaced fuel pump and the relays still no fuel to the engine motor runs if I spray starting fluid in it could a bad fuel pressure regulator cause no fuel or clogged fuel filter

My car has 1730000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Car is not starting Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. A plugged-up fuel filter will cause an engine not not start. Get a fuel pressure tester and hook it up to the fuel rail. There should be a shrader valve on the fuel rail that you can hook the tester up to. Turn on the key.

With the engine off and key on, there should be 45 to 60 PSI on the gauge. If there is nothing on the gauge, then check your connection to the shrader valve. You may need to remove the shrader part of the valve from the threaded tube. If there is still no pressure, then replace the fuel filter and retest.

If nothing after that, then the fuel pressure regulator is not working and needs replacing. If you get pressure to the rail, then there could be a problem with the injectors; they may be either dirty or plugged up. Take the injectors off the engine and clean them with CLR. This will clean the tips off and remove the gummy stuff inside the tiny holes. Wipe off the injectors and install them. If the engine still will not start, then the injectors need to be replaced.

If you need further diagnoses to your no start situation, then seek out a technician, such as one from YourMechanic, who can perform an inspection to determine why the car will not start.

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

Car still overheating
Hi. Although a thermostat is a possible cause of overheating, it's not the only cause for overheating. Also, if the thermostat wasn't installed correctly or the cooling system wasn't bled of air properly, it would still overheat. Other causes of...
planning to purchase older model car...seems good... how can i be sure it is good?
I would highly recommend a pre purchase inspection from your trusted automotive technician. Typically I look for wreck damage, body lines matching up, orange peel in the paint (signs of paint repair), frame damage or rusting, warning lights on the...
Why does my 2002 Chrysler Town & Country consume so much oil?
There are quite a few possibilities when it comes to oil consumption. But with this amount of usage, it should be fairly simple to figure out. It is either leaking it or burning it. There is no other way for...
Steering is extremely tight. Moreso when not moving or moving slow. Rack and pinion was suposedly done
Hello. It sounds like something is mechanically binding and/or you are not getting full power assist. If it is mechanically binding, one cause would be defective strut bearing plates (top of strut in wheel well). You can evaluate that by...
my van is making clunk and vibration noises that worsen while coasting or with less rpms
Hi there. It sounds like the transmission is having an internal failure. Some other possibilities are wheel bearing, axle, brake caliper, and brake hose collapsing. A worn wheel bearing will have noise at all speeds while increasing noise and vibration...
Locating PCV Valve on 2008 Dodge Dakota 3.7L V6
Hi there. This is one of those rare cases when Chilton got it wrong. The PCV valve is actually located on the other side of the engine in the back and near the firewall. It's located in the rear of...
Idle
A faulty or blown fuse in other electronically controlled systems can cause the IAC motor to malfunction, leading to a higher than normal engine idle speed. Other possible causes of a high idle include vacuum leaks, a malfunctioning throttle (throttle...
95 Ford Explorer, replaces battery and starter relay, no power, just clicking with no key. Smoke from positive cable. What is it?
It sounds like what you are describing may be related to a faulty starter relay or some faulty wiring that may not be producing a proper connection to the starter. The starter relay (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/starter-relay-replacement) directs power from the battery to...

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...
2012 Honda Civic vs. 2012 Ford Focus: Which One Should I Buy?
One of the best ways to cope with pain at the gas pump is to look at downsizing your vehicle, and today’s compact cars are a great option that allow you to keep the space that you need to move...
The Top 5 Selling Cars in Florida in 2012
Florida Florida offers great weather year round, and the fact that snow and ice never factor into the equation means drivers don’t have to focus on the overall vehicle handling as they do in other states. The best selling cars...