Can a dying fuel pump throw sensor codes?

[Devin]

I'm about ready to start tearing into my car again to get it running. The initial problem that benched the car was a nasty habit of cutting out while driving at any speed. The worst part was when I was driving 60 on I-5 and I wasn't able to maintain speed, and exited at about 35.

Anyway, I checked codes and got a MAF code, a SPOUT code and I believe one other sensor. I was talking to a buddy about it and he thinks the fuel pump may be the culprit. I'd be terribly suprised if my actual sensors were bad (cleared the codes and ran the car again for an hour and no codes recurred), so it could make sense.

Could I hook up mile fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve and drive with it hooked up?

Thoughts?

 

[jonheese]

Yes, you can hook up a fuel pressure gauge and drive with it hooked up. Run the hose up to the cowl and tie-wrap it to the windshield wiper arm so you can read it while (carefully) driving.

Fuel pump sounds like a good possibility to me.

 

[rubydist]

I know of no way a bad/sick fuel pump could set a mafs or spout code. it sounds more like a wiring problem under the hood to me. if the pcm sees mafs readings being screwy, it could easily result in a drop in power. if the spout jumper is in place and the spout code is set, in my experience this is always a wiring issue - either a dirty connector or a bad wire under the hood.

 

[jonheese]

I was kinda thinking the codes were unrelated to the problem. A bad fuel pump could cause the symptoms and not set a code at all.

But you're right, the simpler solution is that the MAF and/or SPOUT wiring is faulty, since that could cause both the cutting out and the codes.

 

[Devin]

How would I go about checking the wiring? Just checking for ohms?

 

[jonheese]

Generally speaking, yes. You could also check for voltage, if you know where to expect it.

Wiggle the wires and/or connectors while you're watching the meter.

What codes were they exactly? I may be able to get you a specific targeted troubleshooting procedure.

 

[Devin]

Dunno, I think I left my worksheet in the car and I'll check when I get home. I just ordered the radiator to replace the one I popped during the December freeze, so once that's in I'm gonna see if I can actually fix this.

 

[SHOtime2511]

Start simple,clean your MAF with CRC maf cleaner,clear the codes and go from that point.

 

[Devin]

I haven't found the codes, so I believe I tossed them, but I just got my radiator in (thanks Mike!) and no problems yet so I'll just put it through it's paces later. I have to wait a week or so because the tabs lapsed in Feb...