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Automotive Applications

 
Automotive Application 4. Fuel Pressure  
 
 
Diagnosing Fuel Pressure on GM Vehicles
 
  1. Place the test leads in the 10 amp position, and the function rotary switch in the DC amp position.

  2. With the ignition switched "off," connect the red test lead to battery positive. Do not let the black lead touch ground.

  3. Connect the black lead to fuel pump test terminal. The test terminal is located on the end of about a 4" pigtail on the relay itself. This is typically located in the cowl area of the vehicle. * Compare readings to chart below. Readings below are with the vehicle battery at 12.4 volts. A small spark is normal.

 
  Fuel System Min-Max Fuel Pressure Normal Draw  
  TBI 9 - 13 psig 2 to 4 amps  
  PFI 36 - 41 4 to 6 amps  
  CPI 55 - 64 8 to 9 amps  
 
Lower amperage than chart: usually a no start condition, or long cranking time.
 
bullet High resistance in fuel pump harness connectors
bullet Fuel pump ground, or fuel pump
bullet Out of fuel in tank
bullet Pump is cavitating from hot fuel
bullet Vehicle battery low.

Higher amperage than chart:
 
bullet Fuel filter restriction
bullet Fuel return line restriction
 

If amperage slowly rises after being connected, a fuel filter should be suspected. Allow pump to run for 30 seconds.

Common sense test: Before condemning any part, repeat the test above on a vehicle with the same fuel system and compare your readings.

 

 

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Leda Electronics Pty. Ltd.
A.C.N. 078 681 562           A.B.N. 83 078 681 562
P.O. Box 1733 Malaga, LPO WA 6944
                                                      Unit 5, 31 Century Road, Malaga, Western Australia 6090                                                            
Phone: 61 8 9248 6688    Fax: 61 8 9248 6227

information@ledaelectronics.com.au

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