Chatter/clicking...fuel pump?

[CPV35]

Had this noise for awhile, now getting worse and lasting longer. Seems to be only on first start-up of the day, then not on following start-ups same day later on (dealer couldn't hear it when I took there).

When I turn key to on (not starting engine and radio off), sounds like an intermediate relay chatter of sorts coming from back seat area, then finally stops after awhile with key still in on position. My G starts up fine with no delay.

Do fuel pumps make this noise when they're about done?
Or could a partially clogged fuel filter cause this issue?
Or is there a relay for our fuel pumps or relay in general for something else back there?
Anyone experience this same sound?

Scratching my head on this one, with not really wanting to remove back seat for a closer look if not needed.

Thanks.

[Infinitiexpert]

I don't remember having any problems with the fuel pump making noise. Usually the pumps make a humming noise when are about to go.

There is a very common problem with the fuel damper, but the noise is in the engine area. Here is the bulletin for that problem: http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/loca...&pp=12&keyid=9

[CPV35]

Thanks IE. Noise is definitely in the rear section.

Really sounds like a relay or something energizing trying to keep it's contact points open or closed but can't with its inconsistent chattering noise pattern.

I'm stumped on what relays would/could be back there if that's what the noise is

[Gilley]

I hear the fuel pump pressureize the system just be fore startup, but it sounds like a small electric motor. I don't recall any relays back there. It's possible that the fuel pump motor is failing. Otherwise, I'm stumped.

[CPV35]

Thanks Gilley. Was my original thoughts pump failing too, but this chatter sound is the weirdest thing I've ever heard from electric a pump.

Relays, contact points arcing, near fuel source would not be a good thing haha. Thanks for the insight in not recalling relays back there. That helps me a lot.

So maybe sound is a pressure check valve off pump, if it has one. Guess I need to study the fuel system in service manual.

Maybe take back to dealer and ask if they'll do a fuel rail pressure test, instead of saying we can't hear noise/goodbye.

[Gilley]

The pump is contained in the fuel bucket, which is competely submerged in the fuel tank.

Pull up the rear seat cushion and under the passenger side is a circle with some bolts. Under there is hatch for the fuel bucket, which has about 6 or 8 bolts holding it in place. You can pull the fuel bucet out and see if it makes any noise. Just be careful not to ben the fuel level float arm or the fuel level meter will read wrong.

Make sure your tank isn't all the way full. Trust me.

[CPV35]

Gotcha, thanks again for the tips. Removing coupe back seat I'm not looking forward to. Have about 1/8 tank left from todays travels, so good timing there for me.

Did hear this chatter noise while outside of G this morning in rear area. Was in a rush and didn't get under car to hear closer where, but was much louder outside than inside G.

Will probably check things closer tomorrow. I have a hunch and I'll update my findings later.

[Gilley]

It's easy to remove the bottom cushion in the rear. Just pull up in the middle of the seat on each side of the driveshaft hump and it will come up.

[CPV35]

AH HA! My hunch was correct. Chatter noise is coming from my RAS motor. Completely different ball game now. Fuel pump/system is fine. Thanks for all the past help regarding that system I originally thought.

Cleaned ground and steering angle sensor input terminals on RAS motor with no improvement darn it. Guess need this to happen at dealer now for warranty repair.

Consult II self diagnoses is a very involved process for RAS. Been studying service manual for hours (section STC). I'd give one of my fingers for my own Consult II.

Darn it IE, wish I lived closer to 'your' shop.....

[Gilley]

I didn't even think of the RAS. You know the problem now. Let the dealer handle it.

I saw a Consult II on eBay for about $4500.