Winter is upon us so my backyard mechanic oportunities are infrequent. My 92 745 non-turbo recently would not start. The battery and fuel pump have been replaced. Immediately after the fuel pump was replaced, the car ran long enough to drive it home from the mechanic's but has not started subsequently. Following fuel pump replacement, the idle prior to shutting off the engine was not as smooth as usual. Since the car last ran on 12/23/03 I have replaced the fuel pump relay. I will call my mechanic today, 12/29/03, but really want to avoid paying another $45 for towing.

Additionally, upon query of the car's self diagnostic system, I am getting an idle valve fault. Furthermore, after cranking the car several times, upon pulling the plugs I get minimal gasoline smell. After removing the fuel pump access plate behind the second row seats and turning on the ignition, I hear nothing to suggest that the new fuel pump is working. I suspect that the new fuel pump has failed. Please advise as how to distinguish fuel pump failure from any role the idle valve might play.