GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Fuel System Description

Fuel is drawn by the supply pump through a pre-filter screen in the tank and to the engine through the fuel supply lines. There is no lift pump in the fuel tanks or on the frame. The fuel passes through the base plate of the fuel injector control module (FICM) to cool the module. From the FICM the fuel flows to the fuel filter/heater element housing , which combines a water separator, a prime pump, fuel heater element and a filter element. The fuel is then delivered to the high-pressure pump. An integrated hand pump is used to prime the fuel system after changing the fuel filter or servicing the fuel system. The fuel injection pump at the front of the engine valley includes the fuel supply pump and the high-pressure pump. If the fuel system is not suppling enough fuel a driveability concern may occur. If air is being drawn into the fuel injection system, a Cranks But Will Not Run or Hart Start symptom could exist.

High Pressure System

The much larger section of the pump assembly is the high-pressure fuel injection pump. The pump is engine-driven by the camshaft gear. From the high-pressure pump, the pressurized flows to the left common fuel rail. A balance pipe from the center of the left rail then feeds the right common fuel rail. Each common fuel rail supplies one bank of 4 fuel injectors. The fuel rail pressure (FRP) sensor is mounted in the middle of the right common fuel rail.

Return System

The Fuel Return System routes fuel from the fuel injectors and the fuel injection pump. The FRP relief valve is located in the rear of the left common rail. The return fuel travels to the fuel cooler and then to the fuel tank. This fuel is used to cool and lubricate the injection pump and the injectors.

Diagnostic Aids

Bent or pinched fuel return lines on the engine can cause a restricted fuel return flow.

Step

Action

Yes

No

1

Important: Do not apply more than the specified air pressure to the return line.

  1. Disconnect the return line at the engine. Refer to Metal Collar Quick Connect Fitting Service .
  2. Remove the fuel filler cap.
  3. Apply 1 psi air at the fuel return line that leads back to the tank.
  4. Listen at the filler tube for air flowing from the tank.

Did air flow from the filler tube?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 2

2

  1. Disconnect the return line at the fuel sender assembly.
  2. Retest using 1 psi at the fuel return line back to the tank.

Did air flow from the return line?

Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Replace the fuel sender assembly. Refer to Fuel Sender Assembly Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

4

  1. Lift the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  2. Inspect the return line for restrictions between the fuel tank and engine.

Did you find and correct the condition?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 5

5

Replace the fuel return line between the engine and the fuel tank. Refer to Fuel Return Pipe Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 6

--

6

  1. Install and connect all components or fuel lines that were previously removed or disconnected.
  2. Operate the vehicle in order to verify the repairs.

Did you correct the condition?

System OK

Go to Diagnostic Aids