car dead after PS fluid is changed. PLEASE HELP!

[iExcel]

This morning, after dropping my daughter at school, which is about 1 mile away from home, I decided drive back home to change out the old power steering fluid for my chevy malibu 2003.

What I did was that I sucked as much old fluid as possible from the reservoir and then added new fluid to the correct level. I started the engine and make a few full left and right turns. I shut down the engine and went in to wash my hands before going to work.

Just a few minutes later, as I attempted to turn on the engine, it refused to start. The cranking seemed fine but the engine simply didn't want to start.

I thought it might be some PS fluid spills on the belt, so I loosened the belt and gave it a clean wipe. No luck. The engine still refused to start.

I also tried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery, hoping that would kinda reset the computer. But that didn't help, either.

Maybe some sensor have gone wrong? Any advice will be highly appreciated. Thank!

 

[demarpaint]

I doubt it had anything at all to do with a PS fluid change. Check the basics, fuel and spark. If you have both, get a code scanner and check for codes. Hopefully the battery disconnect didn't clear any codes if they were present.

 

[tig1]

Fuel pump failure? To check it find the schrader valve on the fuel rail and depress the the valve. If fuel shoots out it probably isn't the pump. If no fuel sprays out then fuel isn't reaching the engine.

 

[mechtech2]

Sounds like an indirect problem.
My first guess is that you knocked something off or loose.
A sensor wire, ignition connector, etc.
Maybe even a vacuum leak.
for a quick test, shoot some starting fluid in the intake and see if she pops over - you will know if it is fuel starved then.

 

[iExcel]

I forgot to mention that after I sat in the car and turned the key, for the first attempt, the engine seemed to roll a little bit as the RPM read about 200 or so. But as soon as I released the key, the engine stopped. I tried to start the engine about 15 min later and this happened again. Then I did the belt check and now, the RPM stays at 0.

I just did a code scan and found nothing and I'm going to try the troubleshooting ideas you guys just gave. Also, a buddy suggested I turn the key to ON and wait to hear any fuel pump priming sound. I tried this approach but I couldn't hear anything. I didn't pay attention to such sound before.

Will be right back for updated. Thanks!

 

[iExcel]

Originally Posted By: tig1
Fuel pump failure? To check it find the schrader valve on the fuel rail and depress the the valve. If fuel shoots out it probably isn't the pump. If no fuel sprays out then fuel isn't reaching the engine.
I just did that you suggested and no fuel was coming out after I used a screwdriver to push the pin of valve in. I did smell some fuel odor but no fuel came out.

 

[iExcel]

I checked the relays and ignition module and they appeared to be functioning properly. I think the fuel pump just decided to retire on me ... The car has only 75, 000 miles on it...

 

[brianl703]

Another test you can do is to spray some carb cleaner or starting fluid into the throttle body, then try starting the engine. If it starts and runs for a second then it's not getting fuel.

 

[qship1996]

75,000 miles is alot for a malibu if it has not seen mr. goodwrench regularly for service- why not drop it off at the local gm professional service department and let them try to figure out the problem.

 

[Ryan]

Wait a few minutes with the key off then put the key on "run" and see if you can hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds.

 

[iExcel]

Originally Posted By: Ryan
Wait a few minutes with the key off then put the key on "run" and see if you can hear the fuel pump run for a few seconds.
I tried this a few times and I heard nothing.

 

[iExcel]

Originally Posted By: qship1996
75,000 miles is alot for a malibu if it has not seen mr. goodwrench regularly for service- why not drop it off at the local gm professional service department and let them try to figure out the problem.
That'd be my last resort.

 

[Scienceman]

Don't blame you.

 

[Cutehumor]

coworker had an early 2000's mailbu fuel pump die on her earlier this year. fyi

 

[eljefino]

Crawl underneath the gas tank and whack it. If you don't like fuel pump jobs the last gasp might get it to the garage.

 

[iExcel]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Crawl underneath the gas tank and whack it. If you don't like fuel pump jobs the last gasp might get it to the garage.
How to whack it? With fist or with a rubber hammer? Do I need to leave the ignition at ON when whack the tank?

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: iExcel
Originally Posted By: tig1
Fuel pump failure? To check it find the schrader valve on the fuel rail and depress the the valve. If fuel shoots out it probably isn't the pump. If no fuel sprays out then fuel isn't reaching the engine.
I just did that you suggested and no fuel was coming out after I used a screwdriver to push the pin of valve in. I did smell some fuel odor but no fuel came out.


Looks like the fuel pump is dead. A good pump will keep pressure at the fuel rail even long after the engine is stopped.

 

[brianl703]

Originally Posted By: qship1996
75,000 miles is alot for a malibu if it has not seen mr. goodwrench regularly for service- why not drop it off at the local gm professional service department and let them try to figure out the problem.


What a helpful response.

The fuel pump relay is another possibility. Sometimes they stick and won't close the circuit so the fuel pump never gets power.

 

[iExcel]

Finally, the car was towed to a repair shop and was diagnoses that the pump had quit. A new pump has been installed and the car has come back to life again after $$$ has been spent.

Thanks everyone for the advices! I did learn a lot from your responses.

Luckily, the pump didn't fail when I was driving. I guess it would cause more trouble or danger in that case, esp. on freeways. What should I do if the pump fails while I'm driving? I mean loss of power results in loss of power steering and that is quite dangerous. What measures should I take if running into such an emergency? Thanks.

 

[scurvy]

Originally Posted By: iExcel
Finally, the car was towed to a repair shop and was diagnoses that the pump had quit. A new pump has been installed and the car has come back to life again after $$$ has been spent.
...
What should I do if the pump fails while I'm driving?
I assume you mean the fuel pump was replaced, not the power steering pump? It would help to clarify.

Fuel pumps sometimes just up and die with no warning but they often groan for a bit before kicking the bucket. Pay attention to the noises your car makes when starting and while running, and you'll be better equipped to make a judgment call if something seems amiss to you.

If the pump fails while you're driving and the car sputters out, shift into neutral, put the emergency flashers on and guide it to the shoulder. Then call for a tow. Not much else you can do in that situation.