Fuel pump question

[BrandonSho]

I found a 89 sho with decent mileage that has been sitting outside someones house for over a year. Pretty clean body and underside is in sweet condition. I checked the oil and its good although sunroof leaked overtime and got on seats and mold is on them now (if anyone can tell me how to clean them that would be a lot of help!). Ok now for the question i put a battery in it and it is not starting but it will crank. I listened for the fuel pump and cant hear it whine on accesory mode or anything. I heard of some ppl taking both the cables off the battery VIA not touching battery and touch both the negative and positive together to reset the compacitors in the computer to reset fuel maps etc etc etc. If anyone knows what I could do to maybe get the pump to kick over or anything let me know cause i do not want to drop the tank lol. Thanks guys!

 

[rbruso]

All that is required for a computer reset is to disconnect the computer and press the brake pedal, which is supposed to drain off any stored charge throughout the system.

But that won't solve your pump issue. There's nothing in the computer that 'learns' to leave the pump off. When you turn the key, the pump should prime. If not there are a few things to try:

1) Reset the impact switch. It's in the trunk, on the driver's side. Stick a finger in through the hole, find the square-ish plastic button, and press it into the body of the sensor. Wiggle it a bit too to ensure it seats.

2) If that doesn't work, look for the small ground wire coming off of the battery negative post. Make sure it's connected and not overly corroded. Follow it to a quick-disconnect and make sure that is still connected. This is the main negative for the computer. If it's bad you will not get power on the fuel pump circuit.

3) If your pump is still not working, check the wiring. Make sure no rodents have been under the hood chewing on things. Usually, if something is nesting on top of the fuel tank there's also signs of chewing or droppings under the hood, too, which is much easier to check.

4) If the wires are all okay it might be time to drop the tank.

The leaking sunroof could be clogged drain lines or a bad seal. Someone else will chime in on these. If the mold is surface only then you could probably clean it up easily, but if it's been there for a while you might be better off finding some other seats.

 

[FamilySHO]

Try opening up the air box, lift the air filter and spray some starting fluid. If it starts and dies after a couple of seconds it's likely a fuel issue. You can try having someone tap on the bottom of the gas tank below the fuel pump (approximately middle of the tank) while you crank the engine. This worked when my fuel pump went before I had a chance to replace it.

 

[rubydist]

I think I would start by pulling off a plug wire or two to confirm there is spark when the engine is cranked over.