Cranking but not starting,low fuel indicator on

ersag · #1 (**permalink**) 12-28-2008, 10:23 AM

This has happened a few times. Normally I get in and turn key all the way to crank and it starts fine. But the times when it does not start immediately it is hard to start. When I left work on Saturday it would not start at all. Finally got it to start with a little help. Was told to watch the lights on the left and did notice the low fuel light lit up in yellow when I only turned the key and not try to start it. It did go out after a few seconds. Repeated and the same thing happened. It did start with no problem but don't know if it would have if I had not waited. Sounds like a fuel problem of some sort. Any suggestions? Would this give a fault code?

pfogle · #2 (**permalink**) 12-28-2008, 10:29 AM

The "Low fuel" light SHOULD come on until the dash gauge reaches a certain point. They are wired together. I'd be replacing my fuel filter and checking my plugs and wires.

ersag · #3 (**permalink**) 12-28-2008, 12:02 PM

I guess I have never notice it before. Forgot to mention the check engine soon light does come on. Guess I need to go to AutoZone and see if a code is generated which I would think it would.

ersag · #4 (**permalink**) 12-28-2008, 09:50 PM

Ok. The check engine soon light and the low fuel light comes on with the key turn but not trying to crank. The low fuel light will go out. Then after it has started the low fuel light comes back on for two seconds then goes out again. Will go to AutoZone tomorrow and see what the error code says.

BrianA · #5 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 07:11 AM

Let us know what you find.
How many miles on the vehicle?

Maybe fuel filter or fuel pump?

ersag · #6 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 09:15 AM

Autozone showed no error codes. The Ford dealer said it is normal for the low fuel light to come back on. They also showed no error codes but what is the check engine soon light doing on?? They have the truck right now and was going to keep it overnight to try and get it to mess up. It might not.
Has anyone here ever used this site JustAnswer - Have a Question Answered by an Expert in Minutes ?
Here is an email I got from them after explaining the problem.

Dear ersag,

I am offering you the answer to your question, "I have a 2000 F150 4.2 liter V6 engine. It normally starts" for $13 - that's $2 below your asking price. This special offer expires in 48 hours. To take advantage of this special offer, click here.

You will be asked to make a "good faith" deposit for $13 before viewing your answer. The "good faith" deposit is fully refundable and held in your personal JustAnswer account. If you are not 100% satisfied with your answer, you are not obligated to pay me.

Like most JustAnswer Experts, I am a practicing professional who typically charges $125/hour in the "real world" for my Ford knowledge and expertise. On JustAnswer.com, you receive instantaneous access to this Ford knowledge and expertise at deep discounts off my market rate. I also must pass rigorous evaluations to maintain my "JustAnswer Expert" status.

Here is my profile for your reference.

davehop
Ford Technician

Fully certified in all phases of automotive repair as recognized and certified by Ford Motor Company
80 Accepts with a positive feedback rating of 100 percent

Yours Truly,

davehop at JustAnswer

BrianA · #7 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 09:30 AM

No experience with the answer man you mentioned.

I'm going to guess fuel pump. They have been known to fail.

BrianA · #8 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 09:35 AM

Here is a thread you can look through:

http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/66...-bad-coil.html

Click on "search this forum" and try searching for "fuel pump". You will get a number of related threads you can read over for some past experiences.

Diesel Man 03 · #9 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 09:46 AM

I would say you have a bad fuel pump or one that is going to quit very soon.

Lead Head · #10 (**permalink**) 12-30-2008, 01:23 PM

When the engine is not running but they key is on, the Check Engine light will stay on. The only time you need to worry about a check engine light is if it stays on and does not go out once the engine is running.

The check engine light turns on when the engine is not started yet because the computer is not getting a reading from the crankshaft position sensor. Perfectly normal.

The dashboard has a self check feature on power up that lights up all the lights and sends power to all the gauges to make sure they are working. When you turn they key to start, it usually cuts power to all accessories - including the dashboard in some vehicles to give the starter as much power as possible. So when the key goes back to "RUN" after the engine is started, the dashboard turns back on and runs through its checks again.

Oggie · #11 (**permalink**) 01-11-2009, 10:42 PM

Hey Ersag,
How's the truck doing? How does it run once you get started and moving down the road? I'm with the others. Sounds like you might have a fuel problem. Dad always taught me to start with the source when I have to troubleshoot something. Good luck. Anxious to see what you come up with.

ersag · #12 (**permalink**) 03-12-2009, 04:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oggie

Hey Ersag,
How's the truck doing? How does it run once you get started and moving down the road? I'm with the others. Sounds like you might have a fuel problem. Dad always taught me to start with the source when I have to troubleshoot something. Good luck. Anxious to see what you come up with.

Well looks like it was just plugs and wires. They did change the coil pack too, which may have not been necessary. I do know one thing: Try to find the parts on the net somewhere cheaper first. I save about $70 because I already had the plugs and wires. They got me on the coil pack though. And these were the exact same Motorcraft parts.