- Steps in testing a fuel pump with a multimeter
- Checking the open and close loops. To check if there is a closed or open loop between the fuel pump and the relay, connect the digital multimeter to the plus ...
- Turning on the engine. After resetting the fuel pump-probe, turn on the ignition without starting the engine. ...
- Splitting positive and negative circuits. The positive and negative circuits must be disconnected to avoid incorrect meter readings when connecting to the fuel pump.
- Attach the multimeter. Attach one of the multimeter’s ends to the battery and the other to the connector leading to the fuel pump.
- Finding pump relay. The pump relay is located in the junction box and may be found in a compartment on the dashboard or next to the battery.
- Removing the fuel pump. Here you need to remove the fuel pump from the fuel tank mount. In some cases, the fuel tank must be removed.
How do you test a fuel pump relay with a multimeter?
To get to know if there are closed or open loops between the fuel pump and relay, connect the digital multimeter to the positive and negative stand on the fuel pump. The circuit here should be a closed-loop with no loss of voltage between the terminals. The reading on the multimeter should be the same when it is not connected to the fuel pump.
How do you test a fuel pump voltage drop?
To perform a voltage drop test, first test the voltage of the car battery. This should always be around 12 V. Now, move your test leads to the area you want to test (in this case, the fuel pump). If you see a difference of more than 0.5V, you have a significant voltage drop.
How to measure resistance on a fuel gauge with a multimeter?
Measuring resistance on a fuel gauge 1 Select resistance, labeled kΩ on your multitester. 2 If your multimeter is analog, calibrate it. 3 Place the probes on the sending unit as required. 4 Record the reading displayed on the meter in Ohms. 5 If the meter indicates “OL,” there is either a loop or overload. More ...
Should I test a fuse with a multimeter?
It’s important to be familiar with your multimeter and its functions, so it might be a good idea to test a fuse and perform a voltage drop test before it’s actually a problem.
How do you test a fuel pump with a multimeter?
3:536:05How to Properly Test and Diagnose a Bad Fuel Pump - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo you'll need to look into your repair manual. And find out which two wires are those next you wantMoreSo you'll need to look into your repair manual. And find out which two wires are those next you want to grab your multimeter. And set it to DC voltage.
What should be the resistance on a electric fuel pump?
:werd: Not sure on the exact measurement because each electric motor is wound differently depending on design, but you should see at least 100 ohms across the + and - terminals. Anything less than that and you'll get tons of heat. Sounds like you might need another fuel pump.Jul 20, 2006
How do you troubleshoot an electric fuel pump?
0:265:33Testing Electric Fuel Pump Problems with A Voltage Drop Test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne of the best ways to check a fuel pump circuit is with a voltage drop test voltage drop testMoreOne of the best ways to check a fuel pump circuit is with a voltage drop test voltage drop test checks for voltage lost along a wire. Through a connection through a resistance or any high resistance.
How many ohms should a fuel pump read?
You should read about 70 ohms. If the meter reads zero ohms, the coil is shorted and your relay is bad. If the meter reads infinite ohms, your coil is open and the relay is bad.
How do you test an electric fuel pump?
Steps to Diagnose a Bad Fuel PumpStep 1: Ensure the battery is fully charged. The fuel pump receives power from the battery. ... Step 2: Use a test light to check the fuel pump fuse. ... Step 3: Check the fuel pump pressure. ... Step 4: Locate the fuel pump. ... Step 5: Test for power and ground. ... Step 6: Check for lost power or ground.Dec 8, 2020
How do you test a fuel pump resistance?
0:512:04How to Check Wire for High Resistance on a Fuel PumpYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMy ohms probe in the pink wire. And then the other probe in the back of the car to check theMoreMy ohms probe in the pink wire. And then the other probe in the back of the car to check the resistance in this wire.
How do you check a fuel pump without a pressure gauge?
There are two ways to check the fuel pressure on your vehicle without a gauge. You can use a diagnostic code reader or OBD II scanner, which will provide live data of fuel pressure. Alternatively, if you hear buzzing as you turn the keys ON but don't see any other symptoms this means that your pump is working fine.Aug 16, 2021
How do you test a diesel injection pump?
The inj pump does all the really hard work of delivering the fuel to the cylinders via the injectors. To test the lift pump, once the engine is running, open the bleeder at the fuel filter. The engine should stay running and the fuel should really squirt out.Apr 3, 2011
How do you tell if your fuel pump or fuel filter is bad?
HOW DO YOU KNOW IF YOU'RE DRIVING WITH A CLOGGED FUEL FILTER?You have a hard time starting car. If the problem is the fuel filter, and it isn't changed soon, you may find that your vehicle won't start at all.Misfire or rough idle. ... Vehicle stalling. ... Fuel system component failure. ... Loud noises from the fuel pump.
How to check if fuel pump is closed?
To get to know if there are closed or open loops between the fuel pump and relay, connect the digital multimeter to the positive and negative stand on the fuel pump. The circuit here should be a closed-loop with no loss of voltage between the terminals.
What is the reading on a multimeter?
You should be careful not to test the wrong circuit. The reading on the screen of the multimeter should be 0.1. If the case is different most probably high than 0.1, unless the battery is discharged or faulty, then the resistance in the circuit is high and could be the reason for the voltage drop.
What happens if the voltage on a multimeter is lower?
If the voltage indicated on the multimeter is lower, in this case, the problem could only be the probes are loosely connected to the socket.
Why does my fuel pump make a soft sound?
A soft sound should be heard from the fuel pump system to indicate that the pump is ready to supply fuel to the engine. If the sound is not completely heard, then the switch could be faulty, or an open circuit between the battery and the switch exists. If the sound is heard, then the pump is not faulty.
What is a multimeter used for?
A multimeter is used to measure functions like current resistance and voltage in this unit. If the switch, the fuse, and the buttery are not the problem, then you can go ahead and test the fuel pump. This article will guide you in conducting a voltage drop test using a digital multimeter.
What does a multimeter indicate on a negative circuit?
What the multimeter should indicate on-screen must be less than 0.1 on the negative circuit. If what is indicated is greater than 0.1, then the resistance in the circuit is high and could be the cause of high resistance. This will only be caused by a faulty connector on the harness or faulty wiring.
What does it mean when a fuel pump is faulty?
When the fuel pump is faulty, it means fuel supply to the engine is not sufficient or totally no supply. This could be noted when the engine does not start, or it starts and later stalls. It could also be noted when in motion, when accelerating and the fuel functionality is not efficient.
How to test fuel pump relay?
Start by taking the fuel pump relay out of your vehicle so you can clean and inspect it. After that, you can use a multimeter to check the resistance going through the relay’s circuit to see if it’s faulty or not. Steps.
Where is the fuel pump relay located?
Find the fuel pump relay in your vehicle’s fuse box. The main fuse box is usually located underneath the hood near the front of your vehicle , but there may be a smaller fuse box under the steering column inside your vehicle as well.
What to do if fuel relay doesn't pull out?
If the relay doesn’t pull out right away, try rocking it back and forth to loosen the connection. You won’t be able to start your engine after you remove the relay because the fuel pump won’t work. Tip: Try putting a new relay in your fuse box and starting your vehicle.
Why is my fuel pump not starting?
If you notice a problem with your fuel pump, such as no noise coming from it or your engine not starting, there could be a problem with the fuel pump relay , which controls the electric current running through the pump. Luckily, fuel pump relays are easy to test and replace on your own. Start by taking the fuel pump relay out ...
How to check if fuel gauge is receiving 12 volts?
Using your multimeter , check to see if the fuel gauge is receiving 12 volts of power. With the engine ignition on, probe using a multimeter between the positive terminal and the ground. Probing should be done at the back of the measure where there is an ‘I’ or a plus sign.
What does disconnection do to a fuel gauge?
In a functional fuel gauge, disconnection prompts the gauge recording the highest reading. If your reading is at its highest, your fuel gauge is functioning well. If reading is lower than the highest recorded reading, your fuel gauge should be changed as it is faulty.
What causes a fuel gain to be faulty?
A faulty fuel gain is as a result of corrosion of the potentiometer, poorly connected or disconnected wires and a non-functional sending unit. However, if an individual suspects a malfunction in their fuel gauge, they can quickly test its functionality using a multimeter.
What happens if the gauge reads its highest?
If the pointer moves to the E sign, the sender is faulty, and there is poor grounding. If the gauge reads its highest, ground wire to the red tag. If the gauge still reads E, the cable from the sending unit to the dash is broken.
Can a fuel gauge be faulty?
It is easy to notice a faulty fuel gauge. However, it can be quite frustrating to drive a vehicle with non- functional gauge. It is equally stressful to try and discover the problem with your gauge. With the simple procedures explained above and if you own a multimeter, you can test your indicator, wires, and sending unit effectively. The process will also help you use the multimeter with ease and get accurate results.
Can fuel gauge wires be broken?
It is possible that wires connecting the fuel gauge to the dash could be broken. In this case, the fuel gauge is repaired, or the wires replaced. Connect the multimeter to the sending unit when the sender disconnects from the tank. Make sure that one end of the lead is at the housing while the other is at the stud.

Possible Problems with Your Fuel Pump
Voltage Drop Test
- Aside from the standard tests that come with a digital multimeter, problems with your fuel pump could require you to perform a voltage drop test. This test requires some more knowledge than selecting the right dial on your multimeter and plugging in the leads. A voltage drop is the result of high resistance. This usually means that one of your wires is corroded, prohibiting the flow of el…
How to Test A Fuel Pump with A Digital Multimeter
- Your first step to testing a fuel pump with a digital multimeter is to test the fuse. With most fuses, you’ll be able to see when it’s defect. Check for a broken or ‘burned’ look. If you can’t see anything wrong with the fuse, but you want to be sure, you can use your multimeter. Set the meter to the resistance setting(usually shown with a Ω symbol...
Conclusion
- Now that you know how to test a fuel pump with your multimeter, it’s time to put your knowledge to the test. It’s important to be familiar with your multimeter and its functions, so it might be a good idea to test a fuse and perform a voltage drop test before it’s actually a problem.