hi folks.

well, it's *exactly* a week since the first failure, and my fuel pump has screwed me again :-(

the no-start problem disappeared, but i replaced my fuel pump relay (a $5 item laying around from another project -- the dealer wanted $43 for this part!) anyway because it was warm to the touch after just a minute of operation.

i figured i was yet another statistic in the bad relay column, especially after my experience with bad solder in the bulb failure sensor module. the old relay was a hella unit, btw.

this time, i'm pretty sure it's the fuel pump. the relay clicks. fuse 11 lights up. the pump doesn't run (i've learned to listen for it). i *do* have power on the pink wire in my wagon's left rear corner wiring harness (when the relay is on).

many thanks to chris herbst and jarrod for help in diagnosis last time.

so, it looks like i've gotta face replacing the pump.

the dealer tells me that i've got a one piece pump/level sender and that i must replace this whole assembly with two peices: the pump and the fuel guage sender, to the tune of $400.

a) is it true? do i really need both parts? can i cobble something togethere here?

b) haynes says i've gotta drop the tank. please tell me i can get there through the rear floor (this is a wagon). okay, please tell me the truth instead.

thanks!

/chris