Chevrolet Repair: Chevy Metro wont start if driver side door open, chevy metro, fuel pump relay

Question
I have a 1998 Chevy Metro LSI  with 1.3 litre engine.
The car will not start if the  driver side door is open. If
the door is closed then the engine will start, but if I
open the door with engine running the engine dies immediately.

I know it has something to do with the door switch that controls the dome light.When I have the door open,and manually press on the door switch,the car starts. As soon as I let go the engine stops.

Now with engine stopped and door open ,key in ignition, if i manually press the door switch, I hear A whirring sound for a few seconds,like the fuel pump.


No fuses are being blown, all lights work o.k except for the
dome light . When the dome light switch is in the middle position, the light is bright when the door is open. When the door is shut,the dome light does not go off completely;
it shines dimmly. Removing the electrical connection at the dome light does not solve the engine shutdown problem.

It's certainly the oddest problem I've ever seen.
Also there is no "service engine soon"  or "check engine" light on.

Any ideas?


Answer
Hey,

 When the door switch is opened the fuel pump runs to prime the fuel rail when you get into the car. Volkswagons do this as well. Not a common thing but not unheard of. If you have no fuel pressure you need to check the fuel pump relay.

Wayne