How does the inertia switch on a fuel pump work?

How does the inertia switch on a fuel pump work?

The key being on wouldn’t matter because the power is only there for a few seconds when the key is turned on unless the engine is running. If you connect the 2 wires together and turn the key to run you should hear the pump run for a few seconds when the key is first turned to run. So the inertia switch (IS) is purely a mechanical one?

Why is my fuel pump not powering up?

Checking to see if the inertia switch has tripped is very important, before condemning the fuel pump. If the inertia switch has been tripped, the fuel pump will not power up. So checking it and resetting it (if it has tripped) will save you from replacing a good fuel pump.

Is the fuel pump switch in the correct position?

Fast forward to 3.53 mins in video and you will see the same switch in the same position which seems to be in the correct position .You could always bridge the switch out if in doubt . Are you just wanting to know if it’ll trip in an accident or if it’s tripped now?

Can a fuel pump switch go bad in an accident?

In an accident, the jolt pops the switch so the fuel pump quits. It’s VERY rare for the switch to go bad. I’d see if there’s voltage at either wire at the switch when the key is turned to run. The PCM only powers the pump for a few seconds and until it runs, there’s no power there after those few seconds.

What does the inertia switch on a car do?

Many vehicle models come equipped with a fuel pump switch, commonly known as the inertia switch. Vehicle owners and mechanics use this switch to cut off fuel to the fuel system as a safety measure during car repairs, when necessary. Moreover, this switch cuts off fuel to your vehicle’s engine during a collision to prevent a more serious accident.

Where is the fuel pump inertia switch located?

Look for the fuel pump switch or inertia switch. This is a small box with a plastic button on top and an electrical connector at the bottom. On some vehicle models, this will be located in the luggage compartment. Look on a side panel for a small, round button which you can pry off with a small screwdriver.

What happens if you hit the fuel pump switch?

The switch will usually come with a reset button that will reactivate the fuel pump if the switch was tripped. The fuel pump switch is an electrical component, and just the same as the rest on the vehicle, over time it can wear out and develop issues.

What causes a fuel pump to remain disabled?

The fuel pump may remain disabled, sometimes even if the reset button is pressed, until the switch is replaced. A no start condition can also be caused by a wide variety of other issues, so having the vehicle diagnosed is highly recommended.