How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1993 3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am)

Using Starting Fluid

Using Starting Fluid To Test For A No-start Condition Caused By A Bad Fuel Pump. How To Test The Fuel Pump (1992-1993 V6 Pontiac Grand Am).

Using starting fluid to diagnose a no-start problem is a very ancient test. I remember performing this test when I first started working on cars (and back then most of them had carburetors).

Although the 3.3L V6 Pontiac Grand Am is fuel injected, this test will still get your no-start diagnostic pointing in the right direction by confirming if the problem is due to a lack of fuel.

It's important to note that this test is not the most accurate way of testing the fuel pump, but it is a good start.

IMPORTANT: To get the most accurate test result from this test you need to first make sure that all 6 spark plug wires are sparking. If you haven't already, test all 6 spark plug wires for spark with a dedicated spark tester.

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.

    2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.

OK, let's find out what your results mean:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This means that the reason your car is not starting is due to a lack of fuel.

I suggest that your next step be to test the fuel pump's fuel pressure with a test gauge. For this test go to: Using A Fuel Pump Pressure Tester To Test The Fuel Pump.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.

Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to test the fuel pump's fuel pressure with a test gauge. For this test go to: Using A Fuel Pump Pressure Tester To Test The Fuel Pump.

More 3.3L Pontiac Grand Am Tutorials

You can find a complete list of 3.3L Pontiac Grand Am tutorials in this index:

Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find in the index:

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Pontiac Vehicles:

  • Grand Am 3.3L
    • 1992, 1993