How To Test The Fuel Pump (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera)

The Starting Fluid Test

The starting fluid test is an ancient method of checking if a lack of fuel is causing an engine no-start problem.

Although a starting fluid test isn't the most accurate way of testing the fuel pump (compared to using a fuel pressure test gauge), it'll still point your fuel pump diagnostic in the right direction.

IMPORTANT: You need to make sure that all spark plug wires are sparking before starting the starting fluid test. I recommend using a dedicated spark tester for the spark test.

OK, this is what you'll need to do:

1. 1

   Remove the intake air duct from the throttle body.
   
   You don't have to completely remove it, since you'll have to reconnect it in one of the next steps.

2. 2

   Open the throttle manually, and spray starting fluid down the bore.
   
   When you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid, quickly reconnect the air duct to the throttle body (you don't have to tighten the hose clamp).
   
   Reconnecting the intake air duct is a very important safety precaution in case you get a back-fire thru' the intake manifold.

3. 3

   Crank the engine once the intake air duct is back on the throttle body.

4. 4

   You'll get one of two results with this test:
   
   1.) The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die or.
   
   2.) The engine will only crank but not start at all.

OK, let's interpret your test results:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that a lack of fuel is behind the engine's no-start problem (if you have confirmed all 4 spark plugs are sparking).

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This test result confirms that a lack of fuel IS NOT the cause of the engine's no-start problem.

More 2.2L Buick Century And Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera Test Tutorials

If this tutorial was helpful, be sure and take a look at all of the 2.2L Buick Century and Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera diagnostic tutorials in this index:

• GM 2.2L Index Of Articles.

Here's a sample of the tutorials you'll find there:

• How To Test The TPS (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test The EGR Valve (1993-1995 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test Engine Compression (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).
• How To Test The MAP Sensor (1993-1996 2.2L Buick Century, Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera).