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| Loud Grrrrrr sound and hard start; Fuel pump? Starter? | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Jun 30 2014, 08:13 AM (583 Views) | |
| BillHoo | Jun 30 2014, 08:13 AM Post #1 |
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My 89 Metro made a new sound this weekend. When I first turn the key, there is a loud ticking sound. Turn the key further and there is a hum, but no start. Tried it several time and it eventually started to crank and start. Is the fule pump failing? |
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| Memphis metro | Jun 30 2014, 08:28 AM Post #2 |
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Sounds like low voltage, bad battery, bad connection at battery cables, bad starter. |
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| Silver2K | Jun 30 2014, 11:17 AM Post #3 |
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If it happens intermittently at the worst possible times over several months, then it might be a bad / marginal ignition switch. Google the topic. Happens on Metros, Samurais, and Trackers. I added a starter relay to get around it. Instructions can be found on this website (GMF). |
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| BillHoo | Jul 1 2014, 07:51 AM Post #4 |
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Thanks guys. I'll take a look at those items. |
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| BillHoo | Jul 6 2014, 02:02 PM Post #5 |
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Had to move the Geo yesterday so I could get at my Altima to change out the muffler and install two new rear tires. The geo was hard to start. What I previously thought was a ticking, was more of a Grrrrrrrrr. Turned the key and heard GRrrrrrr. Turned it further and the engine cranked, but no start. Stepped on the gas a couple times too. Did that about 4 times then gave it a rest for a moment. Turned the key and heard the familiar humm of the fuel pump. Stepped on the gas a little. Turned it further and the starter cranked up and the engine roared to life! Had to move the car again but I got the same Grrrrrr, where it cranks, but doesn't start. This morning, I heard the hummm and it started right up. Edited by BillHoo, Jul 6 2014, 02:04 PM.
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| Metromightymouse | Jul 6 2014, 03:11 PM Post #6 |
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Powdercoat Wizard
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Perhaps the fuel pump is spalling. |
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| BillHoo | Jul 6 2014, 06:24 PM Post #7 |
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Spalling? I'll be following this thread for Fuel Pump Troubleshooting this weekend: http://geometroforum.com/topic/5018867/1/ If there is still daylight when I get home. I'll pull and eyball the fuse. And locate the relay to take a look and sniff to see if it's burning out. -Bill_H Edited by BillHoo, Jul 7 2014, 09:42 AM.
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| BillHoo | Jul 9 2014, 01:35 PM Post #8 |
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Is there a trick to pulling the fuel pump relay? Try as I might, that thing is in there tight! I'm afraid to break the fuse holder. Did not see any latches that might be holding down the relay. |
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| snowfish | Jul 9 2014, 05:03 PM Post #9 |
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Basic GearHead
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Bill, there's some 10mm bolts holding the relays from underneath. You have to loosen the under hood fuse holder to get to them. You'll see them with the box loose.
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| BillHoo | Jul 9 2014, 06:45 PM Post #10 |
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I carefully used some channel lock pliers to carefully pull the fuel pump relay. It came loose from the plastic frame (without breaking anything too!) and the receptacle and wiring harness came through the plastic frame. I was able to push the little clip releasing the relay from the harness receptacle. When I cranked the car, the engine turned, but did not start. No Grrrrrrr sound. I put the relay back and cranked again. I heard the Grrrrrr coming from the main fuse box with the relay. I'd say, I found the source of the noise and reason I do not hear the fuel pump humming. The Fuel Pump Circuit Opening Relay goes for between $8.95 and $33.95 on Rock Auto. The local auto parts store starts at around $30 and hits $50. I guess I'll buy something mid-range from Rock Auto. Edited by BillHoo, Jul 9 2014, 06:48 PM.
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| Metromightymouse | Jul 11 2014, 12:23 PM Post #11 |
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Powdercoat Wizard
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Glad you figured it out. There was the possibility the bushings in the fuel pump were worn out. When it sits right it spins fine and works as normal. When the motor gets a little cockeyed it shakes or vibrates instead of spinning normally. Called spalling because it knocks flakes off of the bushings. |
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| BillHoo | Jul 18 2014, 12:07 PM Post #12 |
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Got the wrong relay from Rock Auto. The picture of the part did not show the pin/spade configuration which forms a "box" pattern. _ I I _ Both relays on mine have a tight 2x2 bundle pattern of the spades I I I I Ordered new part, and getting ready to send back wrong one! New part cost extra 9 bucks. Another few days! Reading around that in a pinch, I can make a jumper out of a few inches of insulated wire and two spade connectors. Just to get home. I might make one (or keep parts to make one) to keep onhand for emergencies. I may need to vary the lengths of wire for whatever it is I am jumping, so It might be best to keep the parts for a jumper rather than for a specified use. Or maybe just make a long one that can be applied to most cases? Edited by BillHoo, Jul 18 2014, 12:14 PM.
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You'll see them with the box loose.
7:27 PM Jul 10