I have been getting the Check Engine light and the code reader says it is P0181, I have tried to read up on this issue but I don't believe my truck has a Fuel Temp Sensor. This code does seem to come with less than 1/4 of a tank of gas, but not always, I have read that that may indicate my fuel pump. Any ideas???

A bit of history.... ever since I have had this Expy, about 4 years now, it has had a hesitant start, it will take a while to finally crank, the engine turns then it will finally crank...about 3 years ago I took it to the Ford dealership and they said I needed a new fuel pump then, I said I would wait, and got a 2nd opinion who didn't seem to think their was a problem with the fuel pump, so I let it ride, still does the same thing no worse no better, but it has always eventually cranked...this code makes me think maybe the fuel pump is getting worse....

 

Might be the fuel filter as well. This may over work the pump causing a rise in heat. I like to try the simplest and least expensive thing first. If you have not changed the filter then try that first. If the problem still exists a good mechanic should be able to see if you are getting the needed fuel pressure to the injectors as well.

 

it sounds like the pump, it's losing pressure while it sits, next time instead of cranking it just turn the key to on about 4 times for a couple of seconds to allow the lines to reprime
that way your not running the starter for a long time

 

Ditto on the pump. The fuel in the tank acts like a heat sink for the pump. When you're down to a 1/4 tank, the pump is not immersed in the fuel so it runs hotter, hence the code.

 

That's sorta what I was thinking about the pump, so a cheap fix would be to not let it get that low? LOL, I have dealt with the hard starts for 3 years so I am not terribly bothered by that, but makes me think the pump is going down hill if it is throwing that code now...

 

If the issue is getting worse you could be facing a pump failure in the near future. It will of course happen at the most inconvenient time.

 

yep that's Murphy's law, and my luck....