Technical is it normal for Fuel pump to be coming on when engine is not running?

[Rockeraron]

Hi guys. as above. i noticed a few times in the past couple of weeks that my car seems to be running the fuel pump even when the engine isnt running??
I drove up to work and got out,locked up the car and as I walked about 10 feet away i heard the fuel pump kick in..like a humming noise that lasts about 5 seconds.and when i first heard the sound i was talking to the guy who works in the garage and asked him what it was . he told me it was the fuel pump. its a very distinct sound so I know its that.
anyways the reason I ask is because I have been having problems with my battery draining lately. on my 2nd battery now and it almost died again other day. luckily there was just about enough juice to fire her up.
I then took an hour long drive to charge it back up.
I originally thought it was my Stereo as i had been leaving the front on but turning it off with the SRC button which i now think might not actually be turning it off fully...but after hearing the fuel pump those few times is it not possible that thats causing the battery drain?
I have now started removing the front of the head unit when not in use and it seems to be a little better but figured I would just check on here to see if its normal or not

 

[flisko]

someone just had similar problem like you, fuel pump turning on while he was connecting battery
its for mk2 but still
https://www.fiatforum.com/punto-ii/357412-fuel-pump-turns-when-battery-connected.html

 

[fingers99]

My guess is that in your case it isn't the fuel pump at all. If you can hear it from 10 feet away it's much more likely to be the radiator fan. It's normal.

For the battery issue, check the output of the alternator with a multimeter set to 20V DC between the battery terminals:

1. Engine off
2. Engine running
3.Engine running, lights, heated screen, etc. on.

Report back.

 

[blu73]

:yeahthat:

if the alternator is charging properly though, you either have a battery thats close to the end - most places that sell car batteries will test your battery for free. Or you have a drain - if you have a drain then stick a multimeter on amps and connect to the battery in series and you should have a current, you can then just start pulling out fuses one by one until the draw disappears.

 

[Rockeraron]

My guess is that in your case it isn't the fuel pump at all. If you can hear it from 10 feet away it's much more likely to be the radiator fan. It's normal.

For the battery issue, check the output of the alternator with a multimeter set to 20V DC between the battery terminals:

1. Engine off
2. Engine running
3.Engine running, lights, heated screen, etc. on.

Report back.

I recently had a 2nd hand battery put on because the old one was only putting out 9v. the guy tested the new on and said its fine. think he said it was 13 volts normal and it was going upto 13.8 volts when the engine was running. didnt test it with lights on though however I did ask him to test it with my Amp powered up and it was still 13.8 volts So I assume the alternator is charging it or it would have dropped down when the amp was powered up right?

 

[fingers99]

The figures are a bit low. (except for the battery, which is a bit high -- not always a good sign).

Get the battery drop tested -- the multimeter across the terminals stuff only really tests the alternator -- many places will do it for free.

If that checks out OK, the amp is where I'd look. Check for a drain, ignition off.