Possible broken fuel pump???

I have a 1995 Saturn SL that won't start. It cranks over, stays on for a few seconds, and then dies. The car smells like gas, and when on, won't rev up. I have a couple of buddies who sort of think it's the fuel pump, but I would like a more definite opinion. Also, I'm wondering where the fuel pump is, I have heard it's in the gas tank. I would really appreciate some help! Thank you!!!

Sorry bro. Don't know what to tell you. These cars are not known for fuel related problems really. There is the occasional leaky injector. You can remove the spark plugs to see if there is fuel on them. If there is, clean them off and test the spark to make sure the cps isn't bad.

But to add to your automotive knowledge... yes the fuel pump is in the fuel tank.

If you turn the ignition key to 'on', but dont start the motor, you should hear the fuel pump run for about 1.5 seconds. It is a soft hum, but audible if you are in a non-noisy location. Each time you cycle the ignition from off-to-on it will run for another second or so - and will be pressurizing the fuel system. The fuel system should hold that pressure for quite a while, so... if there is any leak in the system you would be able to smell gasoline under the hood. If the fuel system does not have a leak, you should not be able to smell gasoline up there. So if you smell gas - go looking for the leak.
Once you try to start the car, it may result in some smell of gas, due to fumes getting spit back from the intake manifold into the air filter.

In your position I would try to check the fuel pressure - there is a schrader valve somewhere on the fuel rail. If you remove that cap and push in on the valve, fuel would squirt out. (Dont do this inside a garage.) It should squirt out, and if it doesnt - there is a problem. This isnt much of a test though, as you need the fuel at a specific pressure. Checking the fuel pressure requires a gauge with a fitting that will go onto the schrader valve. A pro mechanic would have that tool, and they do sell them.
It would help you learn if the car has a clogged fuel filter, or a bad fuel pressure regulator, or that the fuel pump was not working when the starter was turning the engine over.
I would also do a compression check - as a general check of internal engine health. When you do this you also have a look at the plugs. If they a light brown to nearly white - that is good. If they are blackish or wet - that isnt good. You could have fouled spark plugs; which makes you wonder what caused the fouling.
An engine runs if it has; 1.compression, 2. fuel (in a burnable mixture) and 3. ignition (at the correct time).


Its true that Saturns arent known for fuel system problems.
They ARE known for having failed ECTs (engine coolant temperature sensors) that can cause starting problems. Do a "Search this forum" (the one at the right side of the page) for ECTS. You should find lots of advice about changing them, and where they are located. They arent too expensive, but be sure to get the right one. There are two types, and they look Very Much alike. One type has two connector pins, the other type has only one. Be careful in getting the connector off the ECTS (squeeze the cap a certain way)- and look inside it to make sure its contacts arent corroded.

P.S. We have a 92 and a 98 SL2 in our family, both with about 150,000 miles on them. Both have the original fuel pumps, but both have needed to have the ECTS replaced.

Sounds like its flooding to me as well!

Bad ECTS. Replace it (the one with the two wire connector)