How much to install a new fuel pump in 98 t/a

[I'mLS1John]

My 98 trans am won't start unless you crank the guts out of it. It's not throwing any codes, runs like a scalded dog once it does start, no misses, no errors. It does this on a cold start, and when the engine is at normal operating temps. I only has 22,000 miles and has been garage kept since new.

On Saturday, I hope to check the fuel pressure. If the pump is bad and not supplying the proper pressure at start-up.......

1. what's the going price for a fuel pump?
2. how many hours labor are involved replacing it?
3. any reports of how much this job costs if someone's been there and done it?

thanks for your ideas!

[2001NBMZ28]

Check the fuel pressure/replace the filter first.

[I'mLS1John]

I replaced the filter...if you check the pressure when cranking the engine and it is low does that mean the pump is bad or is it some other issue besides the pump?

[0rion]

just turn the key on and check it then. Then check it after it's running. If it's much below 58psi then I'd say your fuel pump would be a likely suspect since you've already done the filter.
I've seen fuel pump jobs kind of all over the map. Seems like $700-$1000 is the most popular area. The pump module itself isn't real cheap. If you're mechanically inclined and know your way around a tool box it's not a hard job. Just time consuming. There's 2 different methods people use. I personally dropped the rear and then pulled the tank the other is to lift the carpet in the hatch area and cut an access panel to get at the pump then rivet some sheetmetal over the hole when you're done. I wasn't fond of cutting on my car so that's why I went the other direction. Just time consuming and having a helper pays dividends. If you do it yourself I would look at doing a racetronix fuel pump. Great kit and check out harrisspeedworks (sponsor) for pricing.

[96z28]

I changed my pump on my lt1 and believe me im not that mechanically inclined, but i do like a challenge. It took me about 5 hours. It would definitely be an expensive job

[I'mLS1John]

Thanks for the ideas and comments to yesterday's post. My mechanic came by today. Car wouldn't start at first. Had about 55 lbs pressure at the fuel rail with the key on. He hooked up his snap on computer to the port under the dash. No codes, anything unusual when cranking it over, still wouldn't fire. (the engine is turning over, just won't fire up) When it started, fuel pressure remained about 60 lbs, no codes on the snap on computer. Turned car off, pulled the two large connectors off the computer, no corrosion at all. Put everything back together....started normally a few times, then wouldn't start again. Got it started later and took it out and drove it. It ran great. Turned it off about 15 miles later. Wouldn't start..tried "priming" the pump by turning the key on and off a few times, no help. Talked to a guy who works at auto zone...he said maybe the theft system is malfunctioning. I tried both keys, still messes up with both keys.

The guy at auto zone seems to think maybe the computer needs flashed..maybe some data is corrupted and is causing the car to not start. Any ideas????

[LS1_TA_2002]

Try checking for pulse width at the injectors and for spark at the coils when it is cranking, but not starting. If you don't have either then I would suspect and intermittent crank signal. If it cuts in and out this may be why your MIL is not turning on.

[I'mLS1John]

Try checking for pulse width at the injectors and for spark at the coils when it is cranking, but not starting. If you don't have either then I would suspect and intermittent crank signal. If it cuts in and out this may be why your MIL is not turning on.

The guy at auto zone said something similar to what you say, now that you mention it, and talked about a crank sensor. What is "MIL" (I'm still learning, I come from the carburetor days..) thanks,

John

[02z28ls1]

MIL=check engine light
I would listen to the guy with the Snap-On diagnostic tool. Anybody that would invest that kind of money in that would ahve to know something. Or at least is well on the way to learning. You need that tool hooked up when it won't start to figure it out. Otherwise you are just throwing parts at it.

[SeVeReDiStOrTiOn]

Talked to a guy who works at auto zone...he said maybe the theft system is malfunctioning. I tried both keys, still messes up with both keys.

Is your security light staying on? Using both keys wouldn't matter if the problem is in the tumbler....I had to bypass mine because one of the wires between the ignition cylinder and bcm snapped off.

[I'mLS1John]

MIL=check engine light
I would listen to the guy with the Snap-On diagnostic tool. Anybody that would invest that kind of money in that would ahve to know something. Or at least is well on the way to learning. You need that tool hooked up when it won't start to figure it out. Otherwise you are just throwing parts at it.

Thanks for the info!

[02z28ls1]

Security system disables the starter too. No fuel pressure, ignition or starter.

[I'mLS1John]

Is your security light staying on? Using both keys wouldn't matter if the problem is in the tumbler....I had to bypass mine because one of the wires between the ignition cylinder and bcm snapped off.

No, when you set the alarm the security light blinks at the same speed it always has...it's not staying on all the time.

[I'mLS1John]

Security system disables the starter too. No fuel pressure, ignition or starter.

Must not be the security system since I have pressure, starter, and hopefully ignition.

[02z28ls1]

There is a 'security' light next to the speedometer that lights when the PASSKEY thing (that works with the ignition key) is blocking the vehicle from starting. Different from the little LED red light on the dashboard top.

[0rion]

the original post said it cranks but won't start. If it were vats it wouldn't crank.

Did you guys verify that you're getting spark when it's cranking? Could possibly be the crank position sensor but that's a guess.

[02z28ls1]

We understand it's not VATS.

[vetteemt]

My fiancées 99 camaro V6 was doing the same thing. It turned out to be a bad fuel regulator.

[john5632]

I had a similar problem and thought it was the Vats.to make a long story short it ended up being a $10 ignition relay

[I'mLS1John]

I've been away a few days, will check out all the things you all mentioned and then get back in touch. Thanks!
John