In this video I have a look at a Chevrolet Impala that was towed in as a crank no start. My gut was telling me it was the fuel pump but how do we know for sure? Let's find out. -Enjoy!
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48 thoughts on “Chevrolet impala: crank no start: fuel pump diagnosis”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jack Stevens says:

    Thank you give more tips appreciated

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Raymond Collins says:

    You idiot there's a access port in the trunk

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Michael Jackson says:

    Need to speak up

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Terrall Putnam says:

    You call it Billy, Vice Grip Garage calls it Tonya Harding. LoL

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! David Perkins says:

    There is an access panel in the trunk of that car for the fuel pump

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Sean Frank says:

    Had an older S10 with a bad fuel pump. It was intermittent though and would only act up every now and again. My 2012 F150 fuel pump just died one day. No warning at all….driving along down the highway and it just up and gave up the ghost. I hate how the manufacturers don't provide an access panel or some way of changing that pump without having to drain and drop the fuel tank.

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew ROBINSON says:

    Learning so much from you. A big thankyou. Wish more mechanics were as HONEST as you.
    Andy Australia

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Kevin Miller says:

    Fuel pump access panel would add cost to the car and GM can’t afford that. Honda and a few others have been using them for years and they still sell affordable cars.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ted Harralston says:

    Does the fuel pump on a 2011 chevy Impala run on 12 volts? I have a voltage coming in of 5 volts to the pump from the grey (hot) wire to the black (ground) wire instead of 12? Old pump was burned up. I cant find the spec anywhere on the internet so far. Thanks, Ted

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jessica Hudson says:

    Any thoughts? I have the same car. Does the same thing . But when I turn the key to just turn on the power I can hear a hum (I’m assuming the pump ) any thoughts as to where I should go? I mean I just don’t wanna buy parts and not be something I need. Currently desperate since I’m stranded in new york

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Titan Flare says:

    I had that exact model car. They are such piles of shit. Will never buy another gm car again

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 1keykneedeep says:

    Make that money Eric.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars John Doe says:

    Eric O: Lightning diagnosis, gets correct parts, fixes it properly.
    Me: Awful little Ebay pump floating in 20L lawnmower gas container in passenger foot well, seven foot of fuel line snaking under hole hacked in hood…vroooom! hahaha! Just kidding.

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Pete Gilbride says:

    I love your videos. Very great teacher and you have taught me a lot. I have an interesting problem…I have a 2005 Chevy Monte Carlo LT. 3.8 non-SC. 165k miles. I just changed the fuel pump, as it had little to no pressure, intermittently starting the car. Now…new water pump (AC Delco), all new sensors (ICM, TPS, IAC, MAP, MAF), new fuel pressure regulator, and now the new fuel pump. My problem is, it builds a ton of pressure when I turn it to on (between 48-52psi)…still intermittently starting but….I noticed when I turn the key off (after running or just in on), I have a fuel pressure bleed off very quickly…within 30 seconds it drops to almost zero. I have checked all the lines and the fuel filter was changed last year. I am beating my head against the wall on this. Normally, it should hold pressure for at least 10 minutes after shut off, correct? When it is running and I snap the throttle, pressure goes up a few psi. When she runs, she runs terrific. I pulled the vacuum line off the regulator and the vacuum is almost louder than the motor, so that shouldn't be an issue. PSI goes up to about 58-60psi when vacuum line is off. Any help or guidance is greatly appreciated.

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jason Crandall says:

    Is Eric O playing Whack A Mole out of camera view?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Casidee Patrick says:

    I have compression and spark and electricity to the fuel pump so I put in a new fuel pump and still not starting them new relays and still no start? Maybe change out the whole fuse box please I need help

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Talon Sharp says:

    Story about a torch and a tank. I was 15 my grandfather owned a salvage yard. He had sent the new man up on the hill to start cutting the rear clip off a 1966 Plymouth fury when I topped the hill I seen smoke. New guy had used the torch to cut the tank straps off when the tank fell down the torch caught the grass on fire then the gas from the tank, then the whole car went up in flames. He didn't last but a few days.

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jeremy Wilson says:

    Fortunately I found my issue for my 2010 Impala when I went to remove the tank, there is a electrical plug for the pump above the exhaust, passenger side rear of the tank, a rodent chewed thru most of the wires, fixed the wires and it fired up, hope this info helps someone

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rob27926 says:

    Just bought my uncle's 98 S10 that's been sitting in the garage for 12 years and the fuel pump was one of the first things I had to replace. He was nice enough to top off the gas tank right before he parked it. Had no way to siphon the old gas out due to the roll over valve in tank. And I don't have a lift so we had to drop the tank in the yard using Jack's, fun times. If anyone needs to strip any furniture I have 15 gallons of varnished fuel you can have 🤣

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars greanstreak04 says:

    Was that the drum solo YYZ???

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Craig Smith says:

    Maybe the most important that screen in the filler pipe does is to prevent flame from entering the tank. I came across this on boat motors where there is a screen in the carburetor intake that prevents flame from crossing it. It works. For some strange reason flame will not go thru that screen.

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars David Delle says:

    Fuel lines and Brake lines should by law, be made of corrosion proof materials! I don't like allot of govt intervention but these things are more important than a regulation requiring anti drain-back valves in shower heads!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Lao Han Tun says:

    Well plan buddy….sprayed penetrate oil first before the day….make your life way easier….please ware mask buddy….our lungs are precious yet fragile.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Poor Redneck World says:

    Soooo why do they never make gas tanks with drain plugs???? Would really save time… Effort… Back pain… Especially if ya don't have a shop with a lift ECT!!!

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Poor Redneck World says:

    God I REALLY WISH I KNEW about fuel pump relay bypass switches A LONG damn time ago. It would have saved be a lot of time pissing with jumper wires over the years…… I'm going to buy a set ASAP

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Iceman0219 says:

    Well at least we know the tank is solid

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Blue says:

    Enhance. typing Enhance typing Enhance typing Just print the damn thing!

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keith Leeman says:

    My 2008 SS with the 5.3 still has It's original fuel pump at 154k. Still sounds like It's brand new, so hopefully It will last another 100k.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars MaxDJs Workshop says:

    I assume all the corrosion under all the cars you work on is the result of salt being put onto frozen roads? Seems like it destroys otherwise good vehicles 🙁
    I'm glad we don't need to do that down here in Melbourne Australia.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    you cannot siphon those cars at all, they have a heavy gauge multi-layer stainless steel screen inside the rubber hose, just past metal filler neck end/clamp 😉
    see I posted again before watching whole video lol…..

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    only thing better the the near central gas tank location, is the charcoal vapor cannister, above the *(&*(&^$*(&( gas tank!!!

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars throttle bottle says:

    reminds me of a 95 chevy truck, they was on highway it started running rough, they pull into gas station fill tank from 1/8th to over filled topped off and it didn't start to leave the pump. no amount of hammering on the tank helped, 4F weather with howling wind. tow truck it here and some sucker had to change it without a lift using a single floor jack 😐
    I cheated and use an electric pump and hose down filler, I had gas in everything I could find, 5 gallon buckets, 3 cans, large pots lol.

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Clarence Swope says:

    Do you guys do the New York vehicle inspection and if so what kind of stuff for you guys looking at and how much because I'm thinking about moving to Bath New York

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Keith Walker says:

    At last, I found a flaw in your technique. You're holding the wrong end of the hammer. 😉

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Cody Koala says:

    Yes chamaco!

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Grahame Freestone says:

    Hi Eric. I'm a new subscriber and I've been binge watching your videos and I watched one where one of the relays that powered the pcm unit turned green with corrosion. Well, Subaru have recalled over a million cars because the brake light switch was doing the same with the green corrosion. Apparently the cause of it is to do with "fumes" off of different fragrances. Perfume, clothes softeners etc. It was just a thought. And going back to your videos, you are a natural. You also have a great family as well. Thumbs up from England.. 👍 🇬🇧

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars rob rocco says:

    How many of you are waiting for the mouse to come up say hi and start chasing him 🏃‍♂️🐀🐁

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 2009 G8 GT 6L says:

    I'm sure lot's of people know about lack of Fuel Pump access. Well I know about GM of course and my ford since they are mine and each one has needed a pump replacement. The G8 it has access to the pump now and so does the ford the tanks weren't full when it happened just between 3/4 and full enough. The other issue with the GM is the fact that the filter is in the tank with the pump no less I guess they are keeping each other company. As always Thank you the best video's around town

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Moe Horowitz World says:

    😮😮😮🤔🤔

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Big Dog50001 Automotive says:

    GM removed the access cover under the back seat because they started making their fuels pumps better, oh wait……

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dave says:

    OMG! What would a video by Eric O. be without the air compressor coming on. Personally I like it cause it reminds me of those days gone by when there was such a thing as a Full service filling station., and the Lady! there's you're problem, had a low tire. She's trying to explain what's going on and the compressor kicks on. Lovely……… what's the problem ma'am?

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mitch J says:

    Too bad we couldn't see it. Oh well. Probably didn't involve Big Nasty anyhow. Any video worth watching on this channel will have Big Nasty in it. :-p

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Andrew cole says:

    Your funny.. hope they don't believe you in an hammer….. Your one of the best in here I love to watch

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars spannerman says:

    A pal of mine thought that he could use his wet/dry Jetvac to suck the petrol out of a Volvo tank. Of course as soon as the fumes hit the electric motor the vacuum cleaner exploded.
    It was only stopped from going into space by the length of his extension cord 🙂
    However I did once successfully use a vacuum cleaner to empty a tank. Put the hose on the vacuum cleaner's OUTLET, jam it into the filler pipe and BLOW the petrol out at the engine end. Clever old me!
    Probably best not to do this and definitely NOT indoors!!!
    P.S. I love your channel but now I'm going to have to buy a 'scope, amp clamps etc. and I'll be broke 🙁 Just kidding!

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars lucianoromero777 says:

    Sucks being in a state that rust basically all underneath cars. Glad I live in a dry state

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Monster Devon Pickup says:

    Toot toot….

    Hey it's that guy!

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Man says:

    Build a shed on back wall and move compressor outside

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J. J. springer says:

    electric fuel pump and gas can in the front seat. tell them not to fill gas tank just use the gas can. simple easy

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