How To Test The Fuel Pump (1997-2001 2.0L Honda CR-V)

By: Abraham Torres-Arredondo
Created: 21 May 2018
Updated: 18 November 2024
Articl Id: 632

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TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel

Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel. How To Test The Fuel Pump (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 2.0L Honda CR-V)

Starting fluid can be used to confirm that the engine isn't starting because it's not getting fuel from the fuel pump.

Although this is not the most accurate way to test your Honda CR-V's fuel pump, it still is a pretty effective test.

NOTE: Before you start this test, it's important that you make sure that all 4 cylinders are getting spark. You can easily accomplish this by using a spark tester to check for spark.

IMPORTANT: This is a very fast and easy test but you do have to take one very important safety precaution and this is to reconnect the air intake duct after spraying starting fluid down the throttle bore (although you don't have to fasten it). This will prevent any backfire, that might occur, from scaring the heck out of you when cranking the engine.

This is what you have to do:

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
Open the throttle plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.

As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct's hose clamp).
3
Crank the engine once the air duct is back on and you're clear of the engine compartment.
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.

Let's interpret your starting fluid test result means:

CASE 1: Your Honda CR-V's engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.

Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your Honda CR-V 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 check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 1: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.