How to Check for Fuel Delivery in a Cadillac Escalade

by Editorial TeamUpdated November 07, 2017

Items you will need

  • Flat head screwdriver

  • Wrenches of varying size

How to Check for Fuel Delivery in a Cadillac Escalade. The Escalade was created by Cadillac in 1999 as a response to the booming SUV market. The fuel system of all Escalade models revolves around the fuel pump. Improper fuel delivery in an Escalade results in the engine cranking but not starting. Perform a preventative maintenance check of the fuel delivery system annually or at 15,000 mile intervals, whichever occurs first.

Ask a friend to help you check the fuel delivery in the Cadillac Escalade.

Ask the helper to remove the gas cap and open the gas tank while you turn the ignition key far enough for the dash lights to turn on. Do not start the engine.

Position your helper to listen to the gas tank. Turn the key in the ignition to start the engine and run the fuel pump for two seconds. Shut off the engine. If it does not run, the fuel delivery is compromised by either a faulty fuel pump, pump regulator or fuel pump relay.

Check the Escalade SUV's fuel pressure. Open the hood of the Escalade and remove the cap from the shredder valve located on top of the engine. Attach a fuel pressure gauge to test the pressure. The gauge needs to read 40 to 45 psi when the engine is off. If the pressure is too high the likely causes are a faulty pressure regulator or clogged fuel return line. If pressure is too low the likely causes are a clogged fuel filter, a faulty pressure regulator, a clogged fuel supply line or a malfunctioning fuel pump.

Relieve fuel pressure inside the engine. Start the engine and remove the fuel pump relay while the engine is running. Any pressurized fuel in the lines is used and the engine quickly dies, allowing removal of the fuel filter without danger.

Inspect the fuel lines for leaks by looking them over carefully for any signs of moisture. If moisture is present on a line, that line is leaking and must be replaced.

Inspect the fuel filter for clogs. Get two wrenches the size of the fuel filter fittings. There are two fittings that differ in size. Grip the fittings with the wrenches and then drape a rag or shop cloth over the fittings and wrenches to catch any pressurized fuel that might still be lurking in the lines. Hold the wrench gripping the actual filter and turn the other counter clockwise until the bolt comes out. Remove the fuel line, set the bolt and washers in a safe place, and repeat this step for the other side of the fuel filter.

Use a flat head screw driver to remove the clamp holding the fuel filter in place. Remove the fuel filter carefully as fuel is still present inside it.

Inspect the fuel filter visually for clogs and refit the Escalade with a new filter if necessary. Simply reverse the filter removal process to reinstall the old or install a new filter. If the lines and filter are in working order and the engine is still faltering, the cause is either a faulty fuel pressure regulator or faulty fuel pump and you should consult a professional for further diagnosis.

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