Ok. I'm just going to ask. I am having trouble getting to the bottom of my cold start problem. (1985 744 non-turbo 318000kms) When I turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the vehicle should the fuel pump ALWAYS come on? (listening for the whirring under the seat) I know it sounds stupid but I have been messing with this car so much lately maybe I forgot the basics in the process. I just want to clarify so I can stop second guessing myself and find the problem. Thanx.

"When I turn the ignition key to the "on" position without starting the vehicle should the fuel pump ALWAYS come on? "

I say "No" (for '80s LH) , for 2 reasons:

1) I've never seen this "prime" function described in any Fuel Injection documentation, in about 12 years of reading on the subject.

2) I've had cars that would do it off and on.

I also saw a BB post saying it had to do with where the Hall Sensor vanes stopped when engine is shut down. Their position *may* allow one ignition pulse (required for FI Relay) with Key ON.
--
Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current)
'80 GLE V8 (Now gone)
'83 Turbo 245
'73 142 (98K)
'71 144 (track modified--and still here)
New 144 from '67 to '78
Used '62 122 from '63 to '67

As far as I know, yes, the fuel pump should come on for a second or two when switching on the ignition.