I have a 98 RL with just shy of 70K miles (yes, oddly low) that will not start. Two nights ago, it got cold by Texas standards (about 40) and I had two incidents where the car would not start unless I armed and disarmed the alarm system (in retrospect, probably not related). I tore open the rear seat to check the fuel pump and since I was already there, I replaced it (fuel filter as well). I hear the three distinct 'clicks' from the Main Relay when I turn the key and the fuel pump makes a quick 'whir' (though I do not hear anything from the pump after that). Has anybody run into this? I have read every forum on Main Relay's and fuel systems I can.

Thanks...

 

YES! It was the Main Relay. For those who are not electricians or mechanics (such as myself), please check the Main Relay first before rushing to other conclusions. This was a quick, inexpensive fix to a problem that literally came out of the middle of nowhere. My symptoms were as follows:

Day 1 (69xxx miles and 50 degrees outside): After a five-minute ride to the store, I returned to my vehicle to find that it would not start (i.e. turned the key, engined turned, would not start). I waited about a minute, armed and disarmed the alarm (just in case it was a 'key code issue') and it started right up.

Day 2: Exact same scenario - started right up, short ride, would not start in parking lot. Same series of events seemed to start car.

Day 3 (temperature dropped to 35 degrees overnight): Car would not start. Tried everything from before (stupid alarm trick), half-pressed pedal, fully-pressed pedal - nothing! Research, research, research. Ordered 'Chiltons DIY manual' online. Realized there was no fuel getting to the engine. Replaced fuel pump (BTW - perfectly good fuel pump for sale) and filter BECAUSE I could hear the power getting to the fuel pump. Turned key...Same problem!

Day 4: For giggles, went through the Main Relay protocol listed at various sites. Heared all of the requisite 'clicks' from the relay. Tapped it a few times. Nothing. ******NOTE: For those who do not know what the fuel pump should sound like when the key is turned to II, it will sound like a "whirring" or a "whoosh". I assumed that because I could hear power getting to is but no turning that it was a defective pump. IT MAY CLICK WHEN THE KEY IS TURNED AND STILL BE THE MAIN RELAY******I finally pulled the relay and saw what I believed was a cracked solder. I gave it a quick solder (not the recommended procedure, all of the message boards recommend a complete resolder of the board, however, I do not have that particular skill set), tossed it in and the car started right up.

In the morning I will head to the dealership (apparently this is not a stock item at most retail auto parts stores - can't say I blame them) for a new one. The removal of the assembly and relay is pretty easy and the crack was there to see. Hopefully, this will save somebody out there some money. Had I seen the relay postings earlier, I would have checked that first (but hey, I shouldn't need a fuel pump soon

 

PLEASE HELP !!!!!!!! 96 RL FULE PROB. can u please tell me where the rollover relay is ? and the relay for the fuel pump i hope is at the fuse panel? did not find pump under rear seat ! please help !!!!! im onfused ! repair manual says its there ! i cant find it

 

Main relay that primes pump is located under dash next to steering column. Fuel pump relay is located in trunk, behind carpet under the rear seat access hatch. This relay is not protected and can be broken by loading stuff in trunk.

 

Side question: how do you reset the alarm?