Fuel System Diagnosis (All Models)
WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 31 other vehicles, including the 2002 Saturn SL2, 2002 Saturn SL1, 2002 Saturn SL, 2002 Saturn SC2, and 2002 Saturn SC1. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- If diagnostic system check has already been performed, go to next step. If diagnostic system check has not been performed, go to DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM CHECK - ENGINE CONTROLS in appropriate SELF-DIAGNOSTICS article.
- Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on with scan tool. Does fuel pump operate? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT (VIN K - GRAND PRIX) or FUEL PUMP ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT (EXCEPT VIN K - GRAND PRIX) .
- Turn ignition on. Turn off all accessories. Install fuel pressure gauge. Turn ignition on, with engine off. The fuel pump may need to be commanded on a few times in order to obtain the highest possible fuel pressure. DO NOT start engine. Command fuel pump on with scan tool. Observe the fuel pressure gauge with fuel pump commanded on. Is fuel pressure within 48-54 psi (3.4-3.8 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 12.
- Monitor fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does fuel pressure decrease by more than 5 psi (0.4 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to step 9. If no, go to next step.
- Relieve fuel pressure to 10 psi (0.7 kg/cm2 ). Monitor fuel pressure gauge for 5 minutes. Does fuel pressure decrease by more than 2 psi (0.1 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to step 24. If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off for 15 seconds. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. Start engine. Does fuel pressure decrease by 3-10 psi (0.2-0.7 kg/cm2 ) after engine starts? If yes, go to next step. If no, go to step 8.
- Operate vehicle within the conditions of the customer's concern. Monitor fuel related parameters with scan tool. Do any of the scan tool parameters indicate a lean condition? If yes, go to step 17. If no, see appropriate TROUBLE SHOOTING - NO CODES article.
- Disconnect vacuum hose from the fuel pressure regulator. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. Operate engine at idle. Using a hand-held vacuum pump, apply 12-14 in. Hg (14-47 kPa). Does fuel pressure decrease by 3-10 psi (0.2-0.7 kg/cm2 ) when vacuum is applied? If yes, go to step 21. If no, go to step 23.
- Turn ignition off. Remove vacuum hose from fuel pressure regulator. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on with scan tool. Inspect for a fuel leak from vacuum port of fuel pressure regulator. Is fuel pressure regulator leaking fuel? If yes, go to step 23. If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel feed hose and fuel return hose from fuel rail pipes. Install a Fuel Pipe Shut-off Adapter (J-37287) between fuel pipe, fuel hoses and fuel rail pipes. Open the valves on the shut-off adapters on fuel pipe. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on with scan tool. Bleed air from fuel pressure gauge. Command fuel pump on and then off with a scan tool. Close shut-off valve on fuel feed pipe. Monitor fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does fuel pressure remain constant? If yes, go to step 19. If no, go to next step.
- Turn ignition off. Open the shut-off valve on the fuel feed pipe. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command the fuel pump on and then off with scan tool. Close the shut-off valve on the fuel return pipe. Monitor the fuel pressure gauge for one minute. Does fuel pressure remain constant? If yes, go to step 23. If no, go to step 20.
- Is fuel pressure more than 54 psi (3.8 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to step 14. If no, go to next step.
- Is fuel pressure more than zero psi? If yes, go to step 16. If no, go to step 17.
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel return hose from fuel rail pipe. Attach a length of a flexible fuel hose to fuel rail outlet passage. Place open end of the flexible fuel hose into an approved gasoline container. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Monitor fuel pressure gauge with fuel pump operating. Is fuel pressure within 48-54 psi (3.4-3.8 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to step 22. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect the fuel rail return pipe and the fuel rail outlet passage for a restriction. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 25. If no, go to step 23.
- Turn ignition off. Relieve fuel pressure. Disconnect fuel return hose from fuel rail pipe. Install Fuel Shut-Off Adapter (J-37287) between the fuel return pipe and fuel rail. Open valve in fuel pipe shut-off adapter. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Bleed air from fuel system. Monitor fuel pressure gauge. DO NOT allow fuel pressure to exceed 75 psi (5.3 kg/cm2 ). Excessive pressure may damage fuel system. Slowly close the valve in the fuel return pipe shut-off adaptor. Command the fuel pump on with scan tool. Does the fuel pressure increase to more than 54 psi (3.8 kg/cm2 ). If yes, go to step 23. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect for a restriction in the fuel filter or fuel feed pipe Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 25. If no, go to next step.
- Inspect fuel pump harness connectors and ground circuits for poor connections. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 25. If no, go to next step.
- Remove fuel sender assembly. Inspect the fuel pump flexible hose for damage and the harness connectors on the in-tank fuel pump for poor connections. Check fuel strainer for restriction and fuel tank for contamination. Did you find and correct the condition? If yes, go to step 25. If no, go to step 24.
- Turn ignition off. Raise fuel rail without removing the fuel lines. Turn ignition on, with engine off. Command fuel pump on with scan tool. Locate and replace leaking fuel injector. After repairs, go to step 25.
- Repair the vacuum source to fuel pressure regulator. After repairs, go to step 25.
- Locate and repair restricted fuel return pipe. After repairs, go to step 25.
- Before replacing fuel pressure regulator, inspect for a missing or for a damaged "O" ring seal. Replace fuel pressure regulator. After replacing fuel pressure regulator, go to step 25.
- Replace fuel pump. After replacing fuel pump, go to next step.
- Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you correct the condition? If yes, system is okay. If no, go to step 3.
NOTE:
Inspect fuel system for damage or external leaks before proceeding with this diagnostic.
NOTE:
Ensure adequate fuel is in fuel tank before proceeding with this diagnostic test.
NOTE:
Fuel pressure may vary slightly if fuel pump stops operating. After fuel pump stops operating, fuel pressure should stabilize and remain constant.