Intermittent Fuel Pump Problem
Login  | |
|
Intermittent Fuel Pump Problem - 10/20/2007 2:40:17 PM
|
|
|
kstoecklein
Posts: 3
Score: 0
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline
|
I have a 2000 Taurus, 104K miles, 3.0 DOHC engine, auto trans.
This situation has happened to me 4 times within the past 7 weeks, and seems to occur at random.
The problem (so far) typically occurs after a short drive (approx 5 miles), and after the car has sat for at least a few hours (as when driving home from work or shopping). I'll stop to pick up my mail at the apartment complex, shutting off the car for about 1-2 minutes. Then as I'm driving away, the engine dies and will crank but not start as if out of fuel. After letting the car sit for about 30 minutes or more, it will start and run normally. I have determined that after the engine dies, the fuel pump is not running, as I cannot hear it run-up when the ignition is turned on. When I do hear the fuel pump run-up, the engine starts fine. I have subsequently replaced the fuel filter and fuel pump relay (in fuse box under hood) and it would seem the only thing left is the fuel pump itself. I took it to a dealer and they were no help, since their diagnostic machine didn't see a fault code. I am hesitant to replace the fuel pump ($600 job!) unless I know for sure that this is the culprit and will solve the problem. Also, this does NOT happen only on very hot days, and the car has always had at least 1/2 tank of fuel when it occurred (these always seem to be suggested causes).
Is there anything else that could cause an intermittent fuel pump failure? It seems to me that if the fuel pump were bad, it would be more obvious and just stop running for good.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Intermittent Fuel Pump Problem - 10/20/2007 4:36:19 PM
|
|
|
02greenF150
Posts: 60
Score: 0
Joined: 8/11/2007
Status: offline
|
I would replace the fuel pump. Then motor is overheating itself while you are driving and when you shut it off it gets stuck as it cools down it starts moving aginn and then you are able to start the car. replace the fule pump. you should be able to just replace the pump and not the whole sending unit pump assembly .. this is a easy jub that you could do yourself at home in about 2 hours or less. depending on your tools.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Intermittent Fuel Pump Problem - 10/20/2007 5:56:17 PM
|
|
|
kstoecklein
Posts: 3
Score: 0
Joined: 10/20/2007
Status: offline
|
I'm pretty sure replacing the fuel pump involves dropping the tank, so I can't replace it myself since I live in an apt complex. I guess what I'd like is confirmation that someone has seen this type of problem before and that replacing the pump cured it. What's baffling is that if the pump were seizing due to heat buildup, then shouldn't it have this problem at all times, especially long trips? I've never had the problem at any other time except after making the short trip home and shutting the engine off for 1-2 minutes, then restarting. And it can go weeks without doing this before happening again.
|
|
|
|
|
RE: Intermittent Fuel Pump Problem - 10/31/2007 9:52:32 PM
|
|
|
rlevy64614
Posts: 89
Score: 0
Joined: 8/30/2006
Status: offline
|
try this put in a bottle of marvel mystery oil in your next tank. after the tank is gone put in a bottle of stp complete fuel system cleaner which also has lubricant for the fuel pump. its less than fifteen bucks for both and it worked several times for my buddy who is a mechanic. thing is stuck from gunk. try it its cheap enough....cant hurt and it has worked fine for four customers.
|
|
|
|
Contact Us |
Link To Us |
Advertising |
Automotive Directory |
Archive |
Ford Links |
Legal |
Privacy Policy |
© Ford Forum
Ford Forum .com is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ford Motor Company.
|
Printable Version
