dazed&confused
07-18-2006, 11:46 AM
This is a bit strange. I purchased my '02 Caravan Sport while it was still a baby (only 9 mos. old) in early spring of '03. For the first year and a half, no problems at all. Then during late summer of '04 as soon as the temperature reached about 85 degrees, the fuel pump would start a loud whining howl. Dealer said I need to replace the pump. By then, the van was a few miles out of warranty. I decided to save a few bucks and do the repair myself. A mechanic friend said he'd help me change it as soon as he had time. (I'm disabled and unable to do the whole procedure myself)
As things turned out, my help didn't arrive until late fall and by then the temps were below 85 degrees and no more howling. We decided to wait until the following spring. The next year... same thing... friend not available... fuel pump howling when temps reach 85 degrees. That fall the same conclusion was reached, "Let's do it next spring."
That brings us to this year and the continuing problem with the howling fuel pump and the friend that always too busy. As soon as the temps reached 85 degrees, there it was again, that annoying, worrisome noise. (I must mention that I have always used ethanol, E10, in this vehicle.) However, for some reason that I don't recall, in May of this year I decided to fill up with regular unleaded gas. At the time of the fillup, the pump was howling and lo and behold, before I had driven very many miles, the howling STOPPED!
Now, this vehicle is equipped to use E85. I have never used it, but have always used E10. Since that fillup in May, I have only used regular unleaded and have never heard another sound from the fuel pump. This little van just runs great, even in the 100+ temps we have been experiencing for weeks.
If anyone can explain just what has been going on here, I would greatly appreciate it
Also, if anyone has been experiencing a howling fuel pump, maybe you should at least try switching fuels before replacing your pump.
Bt the way, if you are planning on replacing your fuel pump, don't ask my friend... he's still too busy.
As things turned out, my help didn't arrive until late fall and by then the temps were below 85 degrees and no more howling. We decided to wait until the following spring. The next year... same thing... friend not available... fuel pump howling when temps reach 85 degrees. That fall the same conclusion was reached, "Let's do it next spring."
That brings us to this year and the continuing problem with the howling fuel pump and the friend that always too busy. As soon as the temps reached 85 degrees, there it was again, that annoying, worrisome noise. (I must mention that I have always used ethanol, E10, in this vehicle.) However, for some reason that I don't recall, in May of this year I decided to fill up with regular unleaded gas. At the time of the fillup, the pump was howling and lo and behold, before I had driven very many miles, the howling STOPPED!
Now, this vehicle is equipped to use E85. I have never used it, but have always used E10. Since that fillup in May, I have only used regular unleaded and have never heard another sound from the fuel pump. This little van just runs great, even in the 100+ temps we have been experiencing for weeks.
If anyone can explain just what has been going on here, I would greatly appreciate it
Also, if anyone has been experiencing a howling fuel pump, maybe you should at least try switching fuels before replacing your pump.
Bt the way, if you are planning on replacing your fuel pump, don't ask my friend... he's still too busy.