Jane is D.O.R.

[pengyou]

dead on the road :( Fortunately I was only half a block from my home on a hill, and was able to roll it back and park it on the side of the street. She has half a tank of gas, turns over but doesn't start. My first guess would be fuel pump. Does that sound reasonable?

I had a mechanic plug it into his computer diagnostic reader in November. He said that the engine was really strong and everything seemed to be ok.

I do know that the tranny has some issues and that I need to replace the (I think) right ball joints. If it is the fuel pump and if I buy a used tranny from a 2003 or 2004 I can probably get her all set up for $1,500

I know that it is possible that something else will go. Still, I find that this van suits my needs perfectly. If I bought a van that was a few years newer it would cost me $3K and I wouldn't be much better off than I am now. I can't afford a new van, or even something that is 3-4 years old. To be honest, I prefer the functional shape (interior and exterior) of the Astro.

Any dialog on this?

[GEJ]

check the fuel pressure and if it will start temporary with starting fluid.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Sounds like fuel pump to me as well. Get a pressure tester and hook it to the fuel rail at the back of the engine. You will need to remove the doghouse to access this test port. You should see 55 - 60 psi all the time.

[dunedog]

Did it just die?
Always check coil/spark.......

[mdmead]

When you turn the key on, are you hearing the pump run to prime the system? My guess is the pump though.

[pengyou]

I was making a left hand turn near my street and it stopped. i will check spark and other things later - it is raining now.

[GEJ]

Interesting.Raining and it quit.....yeah look at the spark question too.

[chemist]

That's not far off how the fuel pump in my 98 Astro went...

[pengyou]

Thanks! I had my mechanic look at it and he said that there seemed to be nothing wrong with the fuel pump. He said that it was not getting signals from the "brain" to tell it to pump fuel. I shuddered when I heard this....electronic stuff can get really expensive very quickly. I hope it is just a problem with a wire.

[LiftedAWDAstro]

he said that there seemed to be nothing wrong with the fuel pump. He said that it was not getting signals from the "brain" to tell it to pump fuel.

I would get a different mechanic. That one is not up to date on anything newer than 1982! If he says the pump is not pumping fuel, how in the hell did he diagnose a GOOD pump? Must be some new telekinesis thingy going on there! There HAS to be a running pump to measure the pressure. That is the only way to tell if it is good or not. Even if the ECM didn't tell the pump to run, the oil pressure relay would turn it on after about 5-10 seconds of cranking and building some oil pressure.

[9dawgs]

he said that there seemed to be nothing wrong with the fuel pump. He said that it was not getting signals from the "brain" to tell it to pump fuel.

I would get a different mechanic.

I agree with Lifted. The fuel pumps on these things are either on or off. I've replaced 3 between 2 different Astros. Replaced 2 in my driveway and 1 in the parking lot of my church. They always go at a moments notice with no warning. The job isn't easy but it isn't impossible either. I would say replace the pump and everything should be fine. They cost around $200 at Autozone with a warranty and about 2hrs of your time. If you need help, just ask someone here. Keep us posted.

[pengyou]

Thanks! He connected a computer reader thingie to the van to do some diagnosis - I don't know if that makes any difference. He said that it was not getting a signal from somewhere...sorry for such a poor description.

[GEJ]

If I am reading this right,what he is saying is the data link is not communicating with the computer.Not sure about your yr van,maybe there is a in-line fuse that is blown.Hope someone will chime in to clarify that.

[pengyou]

Thanks...put another way, what he said was the "doohickey" that is supposed to tell the fuel pump to pump gas is not working - no signal. He did not do a fuel pressure test, just used his computer reader. Sometimes I think I should buy a late 60's model van - no computers at all - but get one with an inline 6 cyl and put a throttle body carb and high energy ignition system on it with some good ole headers...no computers at all!

[LiftedAWDAstro]

Once again I will repeat what I said...There is NO way he can tell you it has a good fuel pump without it running and pumping fuel to the rail. He HAS to do a fuel pressure test and he can ONLY do this once he checks to see if the pump is actually running or not. When you turn the key on, the pump should run for approximately 2 seconds until pressure is built. If the key is turned on and the pump does nothing, it is time to get a volt meter out and see if there is power at the fuel pump connector under the van. Another way is to jump +12V to the test connector on the passenger side firewall right near the fuel pump relay.