my fuel pump relay keeps burning out

Asked by Sam_in_Elma Jun 26, 2013 at 08:45 PM about the 1999 Dodge RAM 1500 ST RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My 1999 Dodge Ram 1500 would start to sputter after about 5 minuets of driving, like it wasn't getting enough fuel. The fuel pump is good, but I've replaced the fuel pump relay and still have problems. When the symptoms occur the relay is hot to the touch. I tested the old relay in accordance with the repair manual and I have continuity between terminal 30 and 87, but not between 30 and 87A, which is the opposite it should be according to the manual. Also the positive terminal on the battery corrodes quickly, within a couple days of cleaning and greasing it. I think it may be drawing too much current. Any ideas what may be causing this? Also how would I check to see if there is a short in the fuel pump curcuit. The truck just came out of the shop recently for repairs to the parking brake cable and replacement of the serpitine belt and adjuster, not sure if something may have just gotten knocked loose as the problem started shortly afterwards.

1 Answer

9,565

Your pump may be delivering enough fuel but it may draw too much power to do so. I would recommend bench checking it with an ampere meter. The old relay may be "welded" in the closed position by the current going through it. Corrosion on just one terminal is a sign of a broken seal between the battery's inside and the casing causing some of the electrolyte to get out through the capillary effect. I'd recommend replacing the battery.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Dan Connell
    Reputation
    19,850
  • #2
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    15,170
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    11,710
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
325 Great Deals out of 13,693 listings starting at $3,800
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
200 Great Deals out of 8,052 listings starting at $1,500
Used GMC Sierra 1500
139 Great Deals out of 8,257 listings starting at $3,000
Used Dodge RAM 2500
29 listings starting at $9,900
Used Toyota Tundra
42 Great Deals out of 983 listings starting at $435
Used Toyota Tacoma
37 Great Deals out of 728 listings starting at $9,975
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
114 Great Deals out of 3,641 listings starting at $5,555
Used Dodge Durango
57 Great Deals out of 1,890 listings starting at $6,987
Used Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD
26 Great Deals out of 1,696 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford F-250 Super Duty
24 Great Deals out of 784 listings starting at $4,290
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
11 Great Deals out of 832 listings starting at $9,980

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.