Fuel pump fail

[mas 2]

Yesterday, the 05 CDI stalled just as I put it into 6th gear.  Crank, no start, no fuel getting to the rail. Back story, I bought it at the end of August with the same symptoms, dropped the tank, replaced the fuel filter, removed the fuel pump and cleaned out the crap in the pump.  The previous owner mentioned he had fuel issues with the car. I gave the pump 12 volts and it worked fine, put everything back and it has been running like a champ for the past 2500kms.

Today,I started troubleshooting and got P0087, no fuel pump sound. After removing the belly pans I banged the tank, turned the key and heard the hum of a fuel pump, Started right up. 

What gives?  A dead spot on the fuel pump windings?  A bad connection above the fuel pump?  Based on this forum search (fuel pumps) I am looking at replacing this fuel pump with a generic one since I am ready to drop the tank.  Is there anything one can add to this issue?

thanking you in advance

[Nigel 283]

The common problem is usually a bad connection at the SAM for the fuel pump.  Start reading here to understand the issue and there are many more threads on this as well.  I don’t remember anyone here actually having a failed low pressure pump, maybe you are the first.
 

http://clubsmartcar.com/index.php?/topic/25663-sam-woes-and-how-to-cure-them/#comment-299934

Edited October 19 by Nigel