Chrysler Repair: 1996 Chrysler Sebring Starting issue, fuel pump relay, chrysler sebring

Question
My 96 jx (2.5L) does not want to run.  I bought it that way, replaced the fuel pump relay and it fixed it for awhile, drove a few hundred miles, filled the tank and it would not start after that.  There is spark getting to the engine, i changed the fuel filter, swapped a few relays from the junkyard, no help. I got a fuel pump from the junkyard, but there doesn't appear to be any voltage getting to it.  I have a multimeter, but i am not sure what i am looking for.  Should there be voltage going to the fuel pump when the key is in the accessory position or just when i tis starting?  Should i fill that huge fuel pump with gas before i re-install it again?  Also, the gas gauge was very erratic.  Since there is spark, i'm guessing its not the crank position sensor. I'm pretty good with cars, but this is baffling. I think i'm sticking to classic metal. =) Help?

Answer
Hi Andrew,
How did things work out on the starting problem?
Earlier, last month, you asked me a question about that problem with your vehicle. Now I need to ask a favor of you. I am competing for the honor of being the "Expert of the Month" for December. You can help me by going the the 'thank/rate' tab below and look for the question that asks if you think I should be so-honored. If you would select the 'yes' option I would be most appreciative. Please do this before 6pm CST today, New Year's Eve when the competition ends. I wish that your Chrysler vehicle is running well and gives you good service in the New Year!
Roland




Hi Andrew,
I agree that if you have spark then there is no problem with the crank or cam (in the distributor) sensors. The voltage to the fuel pump (dark green/white wire on pin 1) should be seen for about 1 second when you turn the ignition to the "run" position, then go off, and then come on again wheh you go to the "start" position and continue for as long as you are cranking it, and of course when if it catches and runs. But it goes off if the engine doesn't catch and run. If you don't get the voltage then check that fuses 8 and 10 in the underhood box are OK. If it is and you tried trading out the fuel pump relay and still no voltage then for some reason the pcm at pin 74 is not activating the fuel pump relay by grounding brown/light green wire at the relay. You could jump between two inboard pins of the fuel pump relay socket (27 to 35) which should get you fuel pump voltage (but don't with it that way because it is unsafe, firewise) and of course the fuel pump will run even with the engine turned off.
Roland
PS Use the "thank/rate" tab to get back to me without having to wait for me to be available to take a question. There is a space for comments.

PPS The voting for 'expert of the month' ends Sunday afternoon. If you would be so kind as to find the "nomination?" area of the 'thank/rate' tab and change the 'no' to a 'yes' that would give a vote. Thanks