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Metro just died while driving =( =(
Topic Started: Oct 8 2012, 06:39 PM (6,304 Views)
GeoGoKart
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What's up everyone? I've been lurking on this forum since I first purchased my Metro in January. A lot of good information here. I just wanted to say thanks to all the contributors! A lot of the posts on here have saved me a lot of time and frustration! So, THANK YOU.

Well, I've finally decided to sign up and post because I am stuck. Allow me to explain.

About a week ago, my car (1991 Metro, 3 cyl, 5 speed) was sputtering upon start up. It would fire up quick as usual, but then start to sputter. The car never stalled, but it definitely came close at times. I suspected an issue with the fuel pump initially.

I kept hearing a "clicking" sound under the hood and upon inspection, saw that the wire going into the ignition coil was sparking. I decided to replace the ignition coil and wire, and the sparking and car sputtering stopped.

So, I drove the car for about 4 days and then the car just died on me in the middle of the road while driving. I had to push it to a nearby parking lot (fun) and park it.

Stupidly, I assumed that the fuel pump had finally died. (I couldn't hear the fuel pump engage upon turning the key. The sound was usually unmistakable.) Upon removing the gas tank and removing the fuel pump, I decided to test the pump. It works just fine. :smackface So it appears that the pump just isn't getting power for some reason.

So I reassembled the gas tank/pump, replaced the fuel pump and FI relays, checked the fuses, and replaced the terminals on the battery. Nothing. Same result, the car will crank but not start up.

Now, I am fairly mechanically inclined, but definitely not anywhere near the level of some of the folks on here. I don't work on cars very often.

I was thinking about checking the compression in the cylinders to see if perhaps there is an issue there. (I am going to do this tomorrow morning.)

Other than that, I am at a complete loss. Starting to get a bit frustrated. :banghead :banghead :banghead

What do you guys think? How should I proceed?

Thanks for reading!
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00Metro
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Take oil cap off and with a friend cranking engine, see if cam shaft is turning.
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GeoGoKart
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It's dark here now, I will have to do it in the morning.

But if it's not turning, what are you thinking? Timing belt?

It was replaced about 15k ago. I certainly hope not!
Edited by GeoGoKart, Oct 8 2012, 06:57 PM.
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idmetro
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I understand your hope. I too replaced a timing belt and 10k later it just plain snapped. So even though it was a good one I had apparently gotten one with a defect.... Good Luck!
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Shinrin
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Is your fuel pump energizing now when you turn the key?
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bennie442


Dribble a little bit of gas down the throttle body and see if it start that way. If it does, then Shinrin's question may well be your answer.
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GeoGoKart
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The camshaft is turning. :hmm

The fuel pump still isn't engaging upon turning the key.

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Shinrin
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Like Bennie said, pour a cup of gas in the throttle body and try to start it.

If you're feeling really adventurous, you can use one of those gallon pump up bottles. Something like this http://www.walmart.com/ip/RL-Flo-Master-1-Gallon-Sprayer/13376324 If you hook it directly to the throttle body and bypass the fuel hose coming from the tank, you can run the car on this. I've used it to run concentrated injector cleaner on my car. If you got a long enough hose, theoretically you could mount it in the passenger seat and drive with it, just give it a pump a mile or so.
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GeoGoKart
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I will try to start it tomorrow with some gas in the throttle body.

If it works, which I imagine it will...what are my options from there?

I like the idea of the pump up bottle, it's very creative. But I am looking for a permanent solution.

Thinking about selling the car if I can't figure it out. It was running awesome before this, so it would be a tough decision.
Edited by GeoGoKart, Oct 8 2012, 11:51 PM.
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Scoobs
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:D

GeoGoKart
Oct 8 2012, 11:50 PM


Thinking about selling the car if I can't figure it out. It was running awesome before this
If you do that.... Your an idiot.... Could be as simple as a fuse, or as simple as a bad fuel pump. still no reason to get rid of the car.
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GeoGoKart
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Scoobs
Oct 9 2012, 12:12 AM
GeoGoKart
Oct 8 2012, 11:50 PM


Thinking about selling the car if I can't figure it out. It was running awesome before this
If you do that.... Your an idiot.... Could be as simple as a fuse, or as simple as a bad fuel pump. still no reason to get rid of the car.
Well, I am just frustrated I guess.

All the fuses are good. Fuel pump works fine when I pulled it and tested.

I just don't know where to go from here..
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Scoobs
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:D

Fuel Pump relay. Try a relay from under the rubber covers elswhere, they are 4 pronged. you can find them on any 1989-2001 metro.
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GeoGoKart
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Scoobs
Oct 9 2012, 12:33 AM
Fuel Pump relay. Try a relay from under the rubber covers elswhere, they are 4 pronged. you can find them on any 1989-2001 metro.
Bought a new relay today from Advanced. Tried it out. Nada. Same issue.

I am thinking about pulling out the rear seat and running power somehow to the black/red wire that goes to the fuel pump.
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GeoGoKart
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Any suggestions where I could run power from?

Maybe run a wire under the carpet, drill through the firewall and directly to the battery?

I guess that wouldn't work, would it? It'd drain the battery kind of fast, lol.
Edited by GeoGoKart, Oct 9 2012, 10:09 AM.
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GeoGoKart
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Just poured a little gas into the throttle body. Fired up, as anticipated!

Now, where to go from here? :hmm :hmm :hmm
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