How To Test The Fuel Pump (1995-1999 1.6L Nissan Sentra)

TEST 2: Using Starting Fluid To Confirm Lack Of Fuel

If your Nissan Sentra doesn't start, the first test I'm gonna' suggest to you is the starting fluid test. Using starting fluid to find out if the fuel pump has stopped working is fast and easy (although it's not the most accurate way to diagnose a bad fuel pump).

But before you start this test, you first have to make sure that all 4 spark plug wires are delivering spark to their respective spark plugs. This means you need to do a spark test, with a spark tester, first.

IMPORTANT: This is a very fast and easy test but you do have to take one very important safety precaution and this is to reconnect the air intake duct after spraying starting fluid down the throttle bore (although you don't have to fasten it). This will prevent any backfire, that might occur, from scaring the heck out of you when cranking the engine.

This is what you have 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 plate and spray starting fluid down the bore.
   
   As a safety precaution reconnect the air duct after you have sprayed a good squirt of starting fluid (but you don't have to tighten the air duct's hose clamp).

3. 3

   Crank the engine once the air duct is back on and you're clear of the engine compartment.

4. 4

   The engine will start momentarily and after a few seconds will die if the fuel pump is not working.
   
   If the fuel pump is working, and thus sending fuel to the fuel injectors, then the engine won't start at all.

OK, let's find out what your results mean:

CASE 1: The engine started and ran for a few seconds. This test result tells you that the no-start problem is due to a lack of fuel.

Your next step is to check to see what the fuel pressure is with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

CASE 2: The engine did not start, not even momentarily. This usually means that a lack of fuel IS NOT the reason your car is not starting.

Now, remember what I said about this test not being very accurate? Well, I suggest you do one more test and this is to check the fuel pressure with a fuel pressure test gauge. Go to: TEST 2: Checking Fuel Pressure With A Fuel Pressure Gauge.

Location Of Fuel Filter Output Hose

NOTE: The photo above is of a 1999 1.6L Nissan Sentra's fuel filter.

The fuel filter's output fuel hose connects to the fuel injector rail and this is the hose you'll need to disconnect to install your fuel pressure tester's T-adapter.

Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save

The fuel pump in your 1.6L Nissan Sentra is located inside the fuel tank. The fuel pump can be bought in any auto parts store, but I think you'll find the better price online. The following fuel pumps are pretty good deals:

Not sure if the above fuel pumps fit your particular 1.6L Nissan Sentra? Don't worry, once you get to the site, they'll make sure it fits by asking you the specifics of your vehicle. If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.

More 1.6L Nissan Tutorials

You can find a complete list of tutorials in this index: Nissan 1.6L Index Of Articles.

Here's a small sample of the 1.6L Nissan tutorials you'll find in the index:

• How To Test Engine Compression (1.6L Nissan).
• How To Test The TPS (1997-1999 1.6L Nissan Sentra).
• How To Test The Idle Switch (1997-1999 1.6L Nissan Sentra).
• How To Troubleshoot A No Start (1.6L Nissan).
• Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Test Nissan Sentra 1.6L (1995-1999) (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).