Yesterday I drove my mom's 02 exploder to the gas station to fill it for her. After filling, I started it. It ran for several seconds and then died. It wouldn't start right away, so I let sit for a half hour, and then it started and I drove it 10 miles home. Any ideas as to what is going on? Thanks in advance for any and all replies.

 

My first guess would be fuel pump, but unless you're able to measure the fuel pressure, that's all it is, a guess.

If you are able to measure the fuel pressure, then if you can measure it when it's in a failed condition will provide the best results, but if you measure it even when the truck runs, if it's low you have an area that should be addressed, at a minimum. I don't recall if the fuel filter on the 2002 is serviceable or part of the in-tank fuel pump assembly. If separately serviceable, you might start by replacing the fuel filter.

-Rod

 

I'm betting if it died, then started again that you've probably got a fuel pump that won't be reliable anymore. I pulled the pump out of my Astro and dismantled it when it just suddenly gave up the ghost. I had great fuel pressure...it was the electrical side of the pump that died. The brushes had worn through the contacts. There was literally only a 2 in 3 chance that the van would start up, and when it died, it hit that 1 in 3 chance of not starting. Of course, the only way to know for sure is to check for voltage at the pump when it won't start. Fortunately, the pump on these aren't horribly priced if you are do it yourselfer.

 

Where is the pump located, and how do you go about replacing it?

 

The pump is located in the fuel tank. The tank has to be dropped out of the vehicle to be replaced.

 

Yup, not exactly a fun job to do. Have to understand that it's big and bulky ( even without fuel...which you want to have as little of in it as you can ) and that there are electrical, fuel and evaporative emissions system lines you have to be careful of as you drop the tank down. Requires at least a larger floor jack and a piece of wood to prevent damage to the tank ( or yourself ). If you've never done it before, your best bet is to watch a few videos on Youtube on the subject to familiarize yourself with the process. Hardest part is usually the straps that hold the tank up, and then sometimes the fuel fittings.

 

And spray the bolts for the straps down with penetrating oil long before you plan to tackle, or have someone else tackle, the job. Spray them a couple of times if possible. You don't want those bolts to break off when attempting to drop the tank in a controlled fashion.

-Rod