Electric fuel pump (Opel Vectra B)

The Vectra has a so-called twin-turbine pump. It is installed directly in the fuel tank. The pump consists of an electric motor and two turbine wheels, which are located in a common housing. The pump is cooled by the gasoline surrounding it; thus, even at high operating temperatures, steam bubbles cannot form that would cause interruptions in engine operation.

The pump is switched on by the control unit via the fuel pump relay. When the starter is switched on, the pump creates a fuel pressure of about 3 bar.

A safety circuit in the ignition/injection control unit ensures that the pump only operates when the engine is rotating. This interlock prevents escaping gasoline from igniting after an accident.

Electrically Driven Fuel Pump Malfunctions

First of all, check the corresponding fuse. If it is OK, the search continues.

Release the pump.

Check if the pump is turning: have your assistant turn the starter and place your hand on the pump body. If the pump is running, you will feel a slight vibration.

If not, then you need to check whether current is reaching the pump at all.

Check with a voltmeter or test lamp if there is a voltage of about 12V between both connecting contacts of the pump (red and brown wire). To take the measurement, your assistant must crank the starter.

If, despite the correct voltage, the pump does not work, then it is faulty - dismantle and replace it.



If there is no current, then the pump relay in the relay box may be faulty (on the shock absorber dome), see the chapter on devices.



Check: can you feel a click when you operate the starter? If not, the relay is faulty.

The following sources of malfunction should be mentioned: a defect in the wire to the relay or to the pump, a clogged or bent fuel line, a clogged fuel filter.