How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1997 2.2L Beretta, Cavalier, Corsica, Sunfire)

The Starting Fluid Test

The starting fluid test is one of my go-to tests for diagnosing an engine no-start problem.

It'll quickly let me know if a lack of fuel is behind the engine's no-start problem.

The most important thing to remember when performing a starting fluid test is that you first need to make sure that all four spark plug wires are sparking (with a spark tester).

IMPORTANT: If you haven't checked all four spark plug wires for spark yet, please do so before performing the starting fluid test. I recommend using a dedicated spark tester for the spark test.

OK, this is what you'll need to do:

1. 1

   Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body.
   
   You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.

2. 2

   Open the throttle manually, and spray starting fluid down the bore.
   
   When you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid, quickly reconnect the air duct to the throttle body (you don't have to tighten the hose clamp).
   
   Reconnecting the intake air duct is a very important safety precaution in case you get a back-fire thru' the intake manifold.

3. 3

   Crank the engine once the intake air duct is back on the throttle body.

4. 4

   You'll get one of two results with this test:
   
   1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die or.
   
   2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.

OK, let's interpret your test results:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result confirms that the engine isn't starting due to a lack of fuel.

The most likely cause of this lack of fuel is a bad fuel pump.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This test result tells you that the engine's no-start problem IS NOT due to a lack of fuel.

It's important to note that this the accuracy of this test result depends on having all four spark plug wires sparking.

More 2.2L Beretta, Cavalier, Corsica, And Sunfire Diagnostic Tutorials

If this tutorial was helpful, be sure and take a look at all of the 2.2L Beretta, Cavalier, Corsica, And Sunfire diagnostic tutorials in this index:

• GM 2.2L Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

• How To Test The Thermostat (1992-1997 2.2L Beretta, Cavalier, Corsica, Sunfire).
• How To Test The TPS (1992-1997 2.2L Beretta, Cavalier, Corsica, Sunfire).
• How To Test The Front Oxygen Sensor With A Multimeter (2.2L GM).
• How To Test The GM 2.2L Ignition Coil Pack.