Hello Everyone,

Looking for some help with my 1999 Ford Taurus Wagon. I believe the fuel pump needs replacing but want to check everything else before doing so. The problem has been intermittent for about 2 years. It would come go, sometimes not showing up months. Now the pump seems to be completely dead. I know when it is going to start, when I hear the pump whirling, when ignition is on. Car runs fine once it has started. I rotated the relay switches and still no sound from the pump. Fuel pump fuse looks OK. The shutoff switch, I believe is OK (I jumped it and still no pump). I pulled the wire harness off of the switch and stuck a meter on it. I get 6.6v when ignition is on and around 10-11v when cranking the engine. The car has a new battery that I’ve keep charged with an outside source. I found a relief value on the fuel rail in the engine (looks like tire value?) pressed it and no fuel came out. Sorry if I’m not using the correct terminology, I’m not a car mechanic. What else can I check before dropping the fuel tank? Also, what is the best brand for a fuel pump? If I do this, I only want to do this once. Any help would be much appreciated.

Thx
M.

 

For someone who claims to not be a car mechanic , you are doing pretty good so far.
After confirming the correct voltage supply to the fuel pump and the ground connection, there isn't too much more that you can check.
From My own experience, a fuel pump module purchased from Ford is the best choice. It is ,however, maybe the most expensive choice, but they usually give the best results.
The price range is in the $400 to 600 range. Not cheap, but then again cheaper than doing the job over .
If you decide to tackle the job, please be extra careful since a tank full of fuel is heavy and awkward to handle without the proper equipment. Also, there is always the possibility for spilled fuel and a fire hazard. You will need special fuel line release tools too. Be sure to read up on the procedure and take every precaution such as where you do the work. Electrical drop lites not recommended for use with this job especially if you haven't done it before.

 

Thanks for the reply Hanky. I plan on siphoning the tank before even attempting to do this. Can you tell me how much clearance I would need to remove the tank? I thought maybe just raising the back of the car. Oh and by the way this is a wagon. What are electrical drop lights? Do you mean the extension cord with the light socket attached? Are Ford parts, “MotorCraft” parts? Where can I get a fuel line release tool?

Thx
M.

 

If you haven't tried to siphon the fuel yet maybe I better wait until you do.
Some vehicles have baffles in the neck that make it extremely difficult to get any siphon hose in there. next-
It can be done by raising the car up pretty high because the tank is usually not at the tail end of the vehicle.
Yes, an electrical cord with a light on the end.
Ford and Motorcraft , one and the same.
You could purchase a release tool from mostly any auto supply store. Just make sure they know the year and make vehicle because some of the so called universal tools to release the line connections leave a lot to be desired. A tool specific for the connections on your vehicle can make the job a lot easier.

 

I there any way (on the wagons) to get to the top of the tank without dropping it out from under the car?

 

Not really. The tank and associated fixtures are so close to the sheet metal of the floor if you tried to cut a hole in the floor you would damage the fixtures. I have heard of guys cutting the hole in the floor after the tank was dropped out of the way, but by the time you needed to use it you probably would not even own the car .There is always the possibility of cutting a fuel line and we know what happens when we do this.
Some imported cars have this provision. I don't know the reason why American car manufacturers don't provide for this since fuel pump removal and replacement is so common.

 

I have had luck just lowering the front of tank just tnough to get the pump assembly out. I used a floor jack with some plywood and secured the tank to jack with ratchet strap. That was in driveway in 10 below temps. At shop we have all the tools and lifts. Good luck.