QuestionI don't hear the sending unit kick in when I turn on the key. Is there a fuse ort an electricle connection I shoul check. 1997 Chevy Silver rado.
Thank you.
AnswerHello Gale,
By sending unit, I assume you mean you don't hear the fuel pump in the tank?
If so, you should hear it for three seconds, but if you cycle the switch too quickly between tries, it may not run. The book, in one place says wait ten seconds between tries, but I have had it work much more often than that. But keep that in mind.
Now, there is a fuse, which on older models was under the hood, on the firewall, on the passengers side, under a big plastic cover marked fuel pump relay, etc.
The fuse power then goes through that relay, which must operate to run the pump.
There is another item that runs the pump, and that is an oil pressure switch, but obviously, it only runs the pump after the oil pressure builds up, and actually bypasses the relay then. But it, also, depends on the fuel pump fuse.
So the fuse, weather in that location, or in the fuse block, should be checked first.
Then the wire connectors.
Back near the tank, there is a ground wire connected to the frame, which must be clean and tight.
And another thing you might try, assuming the fuse is good, and gets power when the switch is cycled, is lay down near the tank, and as someone turns on the key, smack the tank under the center, which can jar it loose sometimes.
Good luck,
Van
