1996 Buick Roadmaster Fuel Problem

[dkultti]

My 1996 Roadmaster won't start because it is not getting any fuel. Either the fuel pump is burnt out or there is something preventing the fuel pump from getting power. This is the 4th time we have had this problem.

The frst two times it was repaired by a shop where they said the fuel pump needed replacing. The third time I removed the pump myself, applied 12 volt power to it and it ran fine. Reinstalled and all went for awhile. Now, it is acting up again.

I think the problem may be in the anti-theft system. I wonder if it is not working right thereby preventing the fuel pump from getting power under certain circumstances.

A few particulars: When I removed the fuel pump it was clear that it had not been replaced as was claimed by previous owner. Their claim was also that the fuel pump would burn out is tank level was allowed to drop below 1/4.

I have used two seperate ignition keys.

After a few days it seems to restore itself and start.

My theory is that the anti-theft system controls power to the fuel pump and is not functioning properly, for some reason.

The business about the pump burning up if the tank drops below 1/4 is suspect. I have nowhere been able to find that as an issue with any other Roadmaster.

Any perspective and suggested way ahead on this one?

Thanks in advance.

Don - Bremerton, Washington

[MrCritical]

Stop wasting money and time and go to a dealer who's been in business long enough to have worked on the Roadmaster from it's beginning.

If the car won't start with them, they'll find the problem.

[boston boy]

you can disconnect the fuel filter & see if there is gas coming out of the line. If yes you know it's not your fuel pump.
PS my fuel pump just went in my beretta this Wed. This is how I tested to see if it was it & had a IV of gas to the throttle body She just died while doing 60 MPH on a straight road. I guess I can only get 232,000+ miles on a fuels pump these days

[nailhead425]

Yes, first make sure you have fuel pressure.
It should pressurize the lines when initially keyed "on".
Next, start it and watch the pressure. Does it quickly go to "0"?

It sounds like the connections from the harness into the tank is corroded/broken. Pretty common.

[ponchoman49]

I saw this same problem due to a worn ignition cylinder that wasn't always able to read the chip encoded key. It was an entirely random thing. We squirted some WD-40 on the key, slid it in and out many times and lo and behold the car fired up and started fine for a about a week until we could get the switch replaced. If the ignition switch can't properly read the chip the car will turn over but not start as it thinks the wrong key is being used and thus disabling your fuel pump. Just a thought.