Testing fuel pump

[grdprx]

Is there a way to test the fuel pump without dropping the tank? I guess I'd be checking fuel pressure somewhere... Appreciate the help, thanks.

03 Pilot

[2010exl]

The 09 and newer pilots have an access panel underneath the second row seats.

Flip yours forward and see if the 1st gen has the same.

If so you can access the pump there without dropping the tank.

[hkellogg]

just have someone turn the key while listening with the flap open you will be able to hear the buzz if the pump is working or not

[grdprx]

Should there be a CEL for a malfunctioning fuel pump? if it's not maintaining enought fuel pressure...

[whizmo]

Originally Posted by grdprx

Should there be a CEL for a malfunctioning fuel pump? if it's not maintaining enought fuel pressure...

The manual doesn't mention a CEL for low fuel pressure, although I would think this problem could easily manifest itself with other CELs.

If the fuel pump is confirmed to be running but you've measured low fuel pressure, then the next steps would be to replace the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. If the pressure is still low, then replace the pump.

- Mark

[grdprx]

Originally Posted by whizmo

The manual doesn't mention a CEL for low fuel pressure, although I would think this problem could easily manifest itself with other CELs.

If the fuel pump is confirmed to be running but you've measured low fuel pressure, then the next steps would be to replace the fuel filter and fuel pressure regulator. If the pressure is still low, then replace the pump.

- Mark

Thank you Mark, I'll check it out.

[2010exl]

Very rare for fuel pressure to be monitored by the ECM. Some Ford models have the capability, but not the Honda.

Lean fuel trims could be a possible side effect of low fuel pressure.

What symptoms do you have?

[grdprx]

Originally Posted by 2010exl

What symptoms do you have?

Well, it's a long story. Started having trouble with the car starting in the morning a couple months ago. Not ever morning, just occasionally. It's gotten worse recently. Sometimes it flashes a CEL, p0336, crankshaft position sensor... But, following the "Long crank" thread, replacing the sensor doesn't seem to solve the problem, although neither does replacing other items.

I am only having the hard start issue in the morning, but not all the time. Once the car has been driven, it runs fine and will start fine the rest of the day.

My in-law is a mechanic, and wondered what would cause this situation and suggested the fuel pump. Problem is, I can't afford to throw money at the Pilot.

Most times it will start fine, but when it has problems, it runs rough or dies and needs to be re-fired; when it is acting up. This past Monday it wouldn't start for almost 10 minutes and my son was late to school.. My wife is fuming now because I haven't fixed it yet. Like I said though, I don't have it in my budget to throw $150 here and $200 there to hopefully fix it.

Yesterday and today I started the car for my wife before I left for work. I tried the fuel pump priming procedure for the heck of it; and it has started without issue both days.

So, I'm not sure which way to proceed.

[2010exl]

Do you still get the P0336 code after changing the sensor? if so it could be a problem with the wire harness.

Another option is to set up an inline fuel pressure gauge. That is a great diagnostic tool for pinpointing fuel related problems.

It will help diagnose a faulty regulator, poorly performing pump etc.

[grdprx]

Originally Posted by 2010exl

Do you still get the P0336 code after changing the sensor? if so it could be a problem with the wire harness.

Another option is to set up an inline fuel pressure gauge. That is a great diagnostic tool for pinpointing fuel related problems.

It will help diagnose a faulty regulator, poorly performing pump etc.

I ended up replacing the sensor in November because the car would not start at all one day. All day long, would not start. After replacing the sensor, it did start, although it ran rough once or twice; which is part of the symptoms i was having. Then it flashes the CEL again! Got it checked, still P0336!

It's a Honda part, and the guy at the parts store said it's probably just a faulty sensor.. < OK Buddy... > Been having a little trouble off and on. One of the weird things it does.. It will start, be sputtering a bit; when you accelerate it won't go, just very slowly. Like it's starved for gas or air or something. BUT, if I pull over; turn the ignition off. Restart it, runs fine. Absolutely normal, like nothing ever happened.

Yesterday, it would not Start!! The problem became worse and worse with the colder temperatures. The last time it didn't start in November it was right around freezing. Yesterday it was 30 degrees out. I had a friend with me and we were going out to dinner. Very embarrassing!

I'm frustrated because my symptoms are not the same as others have described, and I love our Pilot; but I hate things that can't be fixed. I can't afford to trade the car in, so I'm stuck.

I didn't get a chance to look at fuel pressures, I think that may be a tad over my skill level; I was trying to see if there was an easy way to either eliminate or confirm a fuel pump issue. But, as the car runs fine all day long once it's been started, I find it hard to believe there is a fuel issue.

That's probably the most frustrating part. It runs fine all day long with out a issue. Once it's been started, no problems what so ever with anything. No excessive fuel usage, nothing to indicate a problem.

And, AS I SPEAK <actually type...> It won't start at home for my wife. Cold morning, 30 degrees outside again. Dang IT!!

[xGS]

Perhaps a bit obvious, but, how old is your battery and have you had it tested recently?
A weak one has been known to manifest itself through odd electrical symptoms.

[grdprx]

Originally Posted by xGS

Perhaps a bit obvious, but, how old is your battery and have you had it tested recently?
A weak one has been known to manifest itself through odd electrical symptoms.

Would be a good idea to elimitae that as a problem. I'll have it tested.
It's 3 years old, Interstate model. I've had pretty good luck with them, but you never know.

[grdprx]

Well, the shop called... I had help replacing the timing belt, and it seems to have cost me. The belt was off a tooth on the cam shaft. End of Story.

[robs]

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