99 S70 won't stay running - Suspect ETM but I have Xemodex

[precopster]

When it dies is it a stutter, cough and die or does it seem as though someone turned off the key?

Also during the non-start period is either spark or fuel missing and what tests have you done during the non-start period?

[Auburn T5]

OK update on this. I replaced the ETM with a new xemodex unit, the maf is brand new, the relay for the engine management is replaced, new spark plugs, IPD coil packs, etc.

Car won't even attempt to start. The starter is just going and going and going. It will spit just once like it's trying to fire but doesn't and then every subsequent turn of the key is just literally the starter turning and turning but no hint of anything firing.

Precopster, when it was dying earlier, it slowly dies over a period of about 5 seconds. I posted a video of it on the first page. At this point though, the car won't even crank at all so I can't repeat that test.

I know that in that vid, the fuel pressure was at an acceptable pressure but is there still any chance it could be the fuel pump?

Is there any way to check at this point to see if it's the fuel pump? I know when cranking the car, that pressure gauge was reading something so I'm curious if I crank it now with the gauge hooked up if it reads anything and if it does, what would that mean regarding the fuel pump and what should I direct my attention towards at that point?

[E Showell]

Sounds like a fuel pump issue to me. Have you jumped the fuel pump relay with a paperclip? Extensive write-ups on how to do that here. From memory, I don't recall the pin numbers that you have to jump. The fuel pump relay is under the main fuse box under the hood. From memory, you have to remove the fuse box cover panel to access it -- three or four torn screws hold the panel in place. Fuel pump relay is red. Jumping the relay is only going to tell you if the relay is bad. If the pump itself is bad, jumping the relay won't do anything. The pumps do fail. Mine went at about 260,000 miles.

[Auburn T5]

Thanks I just watched Robert's youtube vid on testing the relay so I'll do that and see where we're at.

I'm assuming if I pull the relay and jump it with a wire, I can hook a pressure gauge up to the fuel rail and verify that it gets positive pressure as an indication that the fuel pump is working?

[j-dawg]

I didn't post this earlier because of the video, but what about the fuel filter? Your filter might be clogged up, so that pressure builds up just fine when nothing is flowing, but it can't keep up with the engine running.

Your video shows pressure not dropping as the engine dies, so I don't know why what I said would be true, but if we're considering the fuel pump then maybe the filter is worth a look first.

[precopster]

I'm not keen on the fuel pump having any say in the non-go of this motor. You have verified fuel pressure.

You need a noid tester which can tell you if power to injectors is being dropped. What about a failed IAC? Can this cut the engine? After all it handles idle speed?

[Auburn T5]

IAC valve doesn't exist on 99 I don't think.

I can change the fuel filter and see if that helps also. It probably needs it anyways. Last one was put on back around 80k miles ago.

[Auburn T5]

FIXED!!!!!

It was the fuel pump relay. I pulled the relay and ran a wire to the 2 contact points and unplugged the fuel line from the inlet of the fuel filter and ran it into an oil catch pan. Had the wife turn the key to ignition and fuel started coming out.

Put the relay back in and got nothing.

Swapped out a new relay and the car fired right up and runs great.

If nothing else, at least I've replaced a few extra parts that were bound to fail eventually :\