[s-cars] fuel pump switch

[Jerry Scott]

Dave
Thanks for the information and advice, but I still think that I will 
install a hot switch. I would locate it up inside the knee panel and 
have it operate as a press and hold to activate the pump.  That way it 
cannot be left on.  I have had other cars that activate the pump when 
the key is turned on, so I know that it used to be done before the 
safety issues came up.  My cold weather starting problem was cured when 
I ran a can of B&G 44K through the tank, indicating that the check valve 
was probably ok but just "gummed up" with our Winter alcohol blended 
fuel.  I just want to have a back up plan, if this should occur again.  
A friend of mine just had this same thing happen in his new Subaru 
wagon, after the car sat for 2 weeks at the airport, in our sub-zero 
temperatures.  He had to get a jump before the car would start, since no 
fuel got to the rail before the battery ran down. So, in view of my 
intent, does anyone have a location for a "key on" hot terminal inside 
the knee panel?
Jerry

Dave Forgie wrote:

>Jerry: It would be possible but I would NOT advise it. Under the existing protocols, the ECU triggers the main fuel pump relay (under the drivers side knee bolster on North American UrS cars) ONLY after the ECU has received a signal from the cam position sensor (or crank sensor) that the engine is going around, i.e. being started.  The good thing about this is IF you are in an accident that stops the engine, the ECU shuts off the fuel pump, i.e. the risk of a car fire is decreased.   
>
>To do what you want to do, even if it was necessary, you would have to engergize the fuel pump via a "hot" switch, pressurize the fuel system, and THEN remember to turn the "hot" switch off and then start the car normally.  However, IF you forgot to turn the hot switch off, it could get real "HOT" in an accident.  
>
>If there is a fuel line draining issue, its probably better (safer) to replace the check valve which has failed, which in this case, I believe, is in the fuel pump.  Fuel pump is probably due for replacement anyway.
>
>A fuel pump replacement procedure that I wrote up is available at:
>
>http://forums.audiworld.com/s4s6/msgs/86586.phtml
>
>Dave F.
>
>
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