Pontiac Repair: 1997 Grand Prix Stall, ac delco, gauge wire

Question
I have a 1997 3.1L Grand Prix--bought it 2 weeks ago. Fuel gage flew everywhere then sometimes returned to normal. The other night I was driving got out and came back 15 min later...didnt start. Would turn over but not catch. Thought I ran out of gas so I pt 5 gallons in & nothin happened. Changed the fuel pmp relay & fuse but still nothing. I cant hear the pump running....Please help. I cant afford a fuel pump right n0w. Im thinking a resistor maybe or filter?????

Answer
Hey Nadine:

It sounds like it's a fuel pump issue. The only way to really tell for sure is #1 check for fuel pressure with a gauge at the engine to see if you have enough to run the car. Some of these cars the pumps are extremely quiet and you will not hear them. If you do not have pressure and don't hear it run that car has an access hole in the trunk if you pull back the carpet in the trunk you will see the plate take off the nuts and you can gain access to the pump assembly from there. When the car is first turned on and also when it is cranking you should have battery voltage on the grey wire and ground on the larger gauge wire in that same 4 wire connector. if you have power and ground and no pump pressure you need a pump. As for the gauge not working that is a separate part of the fuel pump assembly. depending on where you get one the level sensor may or may not be part of that pump assembly. The AC delco one comes with the level sensor. As for a resistor this engine doesn't have that. lastly as a good practice I would change the filter when you change the pump. It's more than likely plugged which lead to the pump failure in the first place. Good luck :)