bad fuel pump?, throwing fuel pump code Options

[Red_06_EvoRS]

The car: 1993 Eclipse GSX, 5 speed.

The problem: I was cruising down the highway Thursday and, for no apparent reason, the check engine light came on. The car continued to run fine the last couple of miles home. I put the logger on and it pulled a fuel pump code. I didn't clear it but did drive it to work and back home again Friday with no problems. The check engine light stayed off. We were out of town until today so the car didn't get driven since Friday afternoon. I was going to take it in and have it checked out today. When I went to start it, it didn't want to start. It took several long crankings to get it to fire. Whenever I put it into gear, it would die. I finally managed to get it moving but it was like it wasn't getting fuel. Around this point the check engine light came on again. After a couple of blocks, it began to run like normal.

The shop (Meineke - I've had luck with them in the past), couldn't pull any codes and the check engine light was off again. It started and ran fine for them, of course.

I seem to recall a thread on here where someone had a problem starting their car but after it finally started, it ran fine. There was some discussion about the fuel pressure draining away over time. I couldn't find that thread and can't remember if a final resolution was given.

So, the question is: when a fuel pump code is thrown, what all could be the problem, especially, with the listed symptoms?

[Red_06_EvoRS]

It's hard to say without actually diagnosing it in person. It does sound like the fuel pump may be the culprit as it's throwing a code.

I wasn't actually looking for a diagnosis on my car, I just wanted to hear what experiences others have had with the fuel pump code. Was it always the fuel pump or could it be something as simple as replacing the fuel filler cap?

First thing though, don't take your car to a muffler shop to have any other sort of work done.  It's just a practice that I can't ever see being safe.

Normally, I would agree with you. But, I know Ken (the guy that runs the Meineke shop on Vernon in Bloomington) is a decent, honest guy and I feel that if they can't figure out the problem or can't fix it, they will just tell me and not screw me over. This is what they did...they couldn't pull a code so they sent me on my way.

Rick @ R&R Certified on west Washington Street would be happy to take care of you. Rick is the only guy in this area that I'd ever let work on my car. He's very knowledgeable and is pretty cheap. 828-7887 I've known him for quite awhile and have had first hand experience.

I haven't found any other trustworthy shops around so it's good to hear about your experiences with R&R. I'll give them a try and let you know how it turns out.