2002 Fuel Pump Troubleshooting and Replacement

[Bubba W]

Background: 2002 with 35K miles and limited knowledge of how it was maintained before I bought it. A few months ago, I started the car and it ran for about 30 seconds then died and wouldn’t start again (crank, yes). Found fuse 17 blown and replaced it. Car started again and was driven for a few short drives over the last few months with no problems. Last weekend cranked her up and she ran for about 10 minutes, then turned her off and restarted her. It ran very rough like it was missing, so I turned her off and cranked her again. It didn’t start and I found fuse 17 blown again. I replaced the fuse again, but this time she will not start (crank, yes). I checked the fuel cut-off button. I ran the diagnostics to find P1237 code. I have not checked the relay.

Is there an easy way to check the relay? (but I don’t expect it to be the problem)

Based on all the information I’ve found here:

• I feel confident that the passenger side pump needs replaced. Will I’m at it, I’m considering draining the tank and cleaning it while I’m in there. Any thoughts from the group on that or thoughts on how to do that easily?
• I need to replace the fuel filter. I know where to find it and expect that is easiest part of this whole job.
• While I’m changing the passenger fuel pump, should I go ahead and replace/rebuild the driver side pump. As I understand from my research, this involves taking the part out of the tank and disassembling it to replace the electric pump. Looking for thoughts on that also. Worth the effort? Or leave it alone?

One other thing that I’ve noticed since I’ve had the car is that when I fill the gas tank, it takes a long time for the gauge to make its way to full...like 5 miles down the road before the needle on the gauge gets to “F”. Is that normal? Or is there something I need to fix/replace additionally while I’m doing this work?

Thanks to all that have shared in the past, and to those that will share on this.

~Bubba W

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