I've seen several postings regarding vehicles not starting but am not sure where to start troubleshooting my problem. Bought an 89 F150 in Michigan and drove it back to Birmingham. Seemed to run fine. Parked it for 2 months while out of the country and now it won't start. It's parked on an undeveloped lot on the lake where I haven't had power set up yet so I'm limited in my abilities.

It turns over but will not start. It has fuel. Battery has power. Replaced the Relay and checked the inertia switch. Will run on ether until ether runs out then stalls again.

I have very little mechanical talents and bought this truck just to work on the property and don't want to sink a lot of money into it. Can somebody offer a list of things to check? I'd appreciate any help you can provide.

Thanks!!

 

Sounds like a fuel problem, check all the lines and listen to see if the pump is running when you key it up.

John

 

I agree that it's probably a fuel problem. I'm not sure what to check. I can't tell if the fuel pump is running when I turn the key. I don't hear anything so I don't think it is. If I don't hear anything should I assume the problem is the fuel pump or is there something else that would cause it not to run? Are there any fuses associated with the fuel pump?

 

Does it have one tank or two?

 

I would check the ingnition module. It would either be on the distributor or on the fender well depending on which type of ignition system it has.

Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.

 

Had same problem on an 88 Bronco. When you first turn on the ignition (before cranking) you should hear the fuel pump whine for one second to prepressurize the fuel rail. If not it is possible that:
1. the fuel pump is dead
2. the fuel pump relay (green one) is dead
3. the ground to the computer is broken. The computer is grounded by one of the two small wires that goes to the negative battery lug. Check the connector for this wire by the radiator support. That was my problem - corroded connector.

If the computer is not grounded (or broke) the injectors will not function which may explain why the engine runs only on the ether charge.

Good Luck

 

The truck has two tanks. I have replaced the relay, but will try the other suggestions as well. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

Jake,

Can you explain to me why the ignition module would cause these symptoms? Safety cut off to the fuel pumps or something?

I have tried getting the system to flash out error codes and got no response from the system. No flashing, just solid light.

I have also tried running the fuel pumps manually by jumpin the FP lead to ground on the test connector...heard no whirring. Are there any fuses or fusible links that protect the fuel pump?

Thanks again for the help guys

 

Also, do the fuel pumps (all 3) constantly recieve power when the key is set to run or does the engine actually have to be running? (I ask because I have 1 car that only powers the fuel pump if the engine is running)

 

For the pumps to continue running the engine MUST be running. The pumps run for one second when the key is first turned on, continually during cranking, and continually after starting.

One reason for pump shutdown after the engine stops is that after a wreck it is important that the pumps stop to avoid possibly pumping out fuel from a broken line (since the ignition is still on).

No spark at the plugs is often a TFI module (the one on the distributor) problem while fuel problems are more likely a computer problem.

 

Chris, Normally when the module craps out it will not allow any spark to the ignition system. Been there many times. I did miss a little in the original posting where either is mentioned. This does make it look like the plugs are firing but I have seen an engine run on either, kind of like a diesel, without spark. Very rough and very short. Just some input. Jake.



Jakegypsum // Ford fleet, soup to nuts.

 

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON 25-Sep-01 AT 06:22 AM (EST)[/font][p]NOT SURE IF THIS WILL HELP YOU BUT I HAD A NO START PROBLEM ON MY '95. TURNED OUT TO BE THE STATOR INSIDE THE DISTRIBUTOR. LIKE JAKE SAYS THOUGH I THINK IT DEPENDS ON WHICH IGNITION SYSTEM YOU HAVE. THE STATOR IS SEPERATE FROM THE IGNITION MODULE THOUGH. I HAVE A POSTING HERE SOMEWHERE ABOUT A MONTH OR TWO AGO THAT MIGHT HELP YOU, GOOD LUCK.

 

Does your truck have an external pump in addition to the internal ones? My 88 does. My 92 did not.

You should definitely hear at least one fuel pump when you switch on igition. If not, no need to check for anything else until you get that problem solved.

I would get under the truck, find the wire which feeds the fuel pump, and connect it directly to the battery momemtarily to bypass the relay, etc. Be careful that you have the correct wire! Otherwise you could do some serious damage. If your pump does not run in this condition, it is either defective, or the connector at the tank is loose.

Good luck!
Winford

 

>Does your truck have an external pump in addition to the
>internal ones? My 88 does. My 92 did not.
>
>You should definitely hear at least one fuel pump when you
>switch on igition. If not, no need to check for anything
>else until you get that problem solved.
>
>I would get under the truck, find the wire which feeds the
>fuel pump, and connect it directly to the battery
>momemtarily to bypass the relay, etc. Be careful that you
>have the correct wire! Otherwise you could do some serious
>damage. If your pump does not run in this condition, it is
>either defective, or the connector at the tank is loose.
>
>Good luck!
>Winford