I have seen the old posts on this subject, and I think my issue is different. My fuel pump gets 18.6 mV when the ignition switch is turned and cranking. none when off. I cleaned the wire ends, and got the same results. I can run the pump with direct power from the battery. When I put my meter across the 7 & 8 receptacles for the fuel pump relay, I see 11.5 V, but I don't hear the pump running. (Perhaps the meter doesn't act as a jumper?) My Chiltons had some tests, but they all assume the pump is running. The Chiltons is not a very good reference manual, or so I have found. Before I spend the big bucks for a new Fuel Pump Relay, I would like to know if there is any way to isolate, bypass or verify it is faulty? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

The meter will not act as a jumper in that case! You will need to actually put a wire accross the two terminals!

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~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

If I jump it and the pump runs, then the Relay is the culprit?
Is it safe to drive it jumped so I can go to get the part?

That is normally what it means. I am not sure what else the Fuel Pump relay really does, other than rev limiter on some models. If it runs and seems ok I would assume this would be ok til a new relay gets there.

__________________
~Jamie
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2003 Pewter C230K SC C1, C4, C5, C7, heated seats, CD Changer, and 6 Speed. ContiExtremes on the C7's.

1986 190E 2.3 Black, Auto, Mods to come soon.....

Thank you for your answers. I got home, jumped the wires and the pump and something on the fuel distributor started to chatter. I started the car, and it ran. I plugged the relay back in, and voila! it worked. I pulled the relay and the engine stopped. I plugged it back in and re-started the engine. I took a tour of the neighborhood, and left it idling for a bit. I guess it is okay now. I wonder if I had some water or air in the system that told the relay there was no pressure or some other problem. I had just filled the tank the night before it didn't want to stay running. It took 20 1/2 gallons, so I know I was on fumes. I also bought the gas at a BJ's club, and that was the tankful I just ran down. The last time I bought it there, I had problems too.

(Note to self: Don't put cheap gas in your pride & joy)

Thanks again for the input. I am glad I found this forum.

Those relays fail intermittently. Mine would shut down for a second while running and then come back to life. Either pull it apart and resolder the biggest pins (easy job) or buy a new one and replace it.