Can I hook my fuel pump up to my battery to test it?

the car just didn't start one morning. had been runnin it low on gas for awhile. changed fuel filter,rotor button distributor cap. took fuel lines that were going into the engine off and no fuel came out when key was turned on. a new pump is 160 bucks and i need to know if it's bad before i buy a new one.
Can I hook my fuel pump up to my battery to test it?
Just be careful of fuel (gas) on the fuel pump. If you were to create a spark (almost a certainty), it will ignite.



Whenever you work on fuel components have a chemical fire rated fire exthinguisher ready. Even if you don't want to buy one and keep it, you can guy it at home depot and just return it unused after the job is done.



A gasoline fire is impossible to put out without a extinguisher.



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The only problem with hooking it up to a battery is that even if you hear a sound (motor pumping) that does NOT mean it is creating enough pressure. The only was to TEST your fuel pump is with a fuel pump pressure guage (Sears).



Good Luck.
Can I hook my fuel pump up to my battery to test it?
NO. you test the pressure in the car. Much simpler.

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Be sure to check your fuel pump fuse, usually in the fuse box. Consult your manual. You can test the pump, but I don't recommend it while it is in the tank. What kind of car is this??? Most non-American cars have a cover plate under the seat or in the trunk for you to access the pump..If it is an American car, you most likely will have to remove the gas tank to gain access (stupid, isn't it??). Usually running the car low on gas in a fuel injected engine will not cause problems. Remember, though, that the fuel is used to lubricate and cool the pump. The fuse is there to protect the pump. Try to find it. If it is a Ford, chances are that there is a reset button somewhere inside the trunk.
some have a sock or rough filter on the intake to the pump in the tank. So if you ran low on fuel this could be plugged. And yes you can bypass the switch and test, but be careful as any sparks could ruin your day. Have you checked the fuse and relay?
DO NOT DO THAT!! Most fuel pumps run on less voltage than 12 volts this is done by voltage regulation or real long wires to create loss. Just because it runs on straight 12 volts doesn't mean it will run on the proper voltage. Have the pressure tested by a shop they will do it at the valve by the engine that regulates the fuel pressure.