Crank-no start
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From: glnd, az
Crank-no start
Thanks in advance, Girlfriends son's truck. 2003 f150 4.2, auto. Cranks but no start. Fires right up with starting fluid and idles fine. Revs to about 3 grand then stumbles and dies. Again cranks but no start unless using starting fluid. I am currently unable to help him further since I have my own problems to sort out ( ford e150 rear a/c, door latch cable came off, air bag blinking code 3-5. Another post). Fuel pump supposedly replaced prior to his buying it. Fuel pressure regulator? What else? (I apologize if a similar posting was missed).
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turn the key "ON", but not to start/ crank......... Fuel pump should run for 3 seconds, then stop... builds up pressure in the fuel rail........ apparently it is not running... check wires and fuse as enrich said.... If OK, check power on wire AT the pump.
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From: glnd, az
Fuel pump was my first thought since it died while driving. He said it had already been changed out but that doesn't rule out a bad pump or relay, if it had really been changed at all. Biggest problem is trying to explain to him what to look for and what to do, since I am unable to show or help help right now. It's his first pick up and he really likes it. Thanks all!
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From: glnd, az
Steve-that is what I would, and normally should have done but I've now been giving him direction over the phone. He has 0 mechanical knowledge. I want him to have it towed to my house where I can work on it and also HEAR. It's parked on a lot next to the interstate. Without the pump running, is it possible for the engine to idle & run up to about 2500-3000 rpm before it stumbles & dies? Maybe a weak pump?
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From: NE Iowa JD Country
Steve-that is what I would, and normally should have done but I've now been giving him direction over the phone. He has 0 mechanical knowledge. I want him to have it towed to my house where I can work on it and also HEAR. It's parked on a lot next to the interstate. Without the pump running, is it possible for the engine to idle & run up to about 2500-3000 rpm before it stumbles & dies? Maybe a weak pump?
First things first, you'll need to get it to your place or take to a service garage. Or summon the courage and patience to "coach" him through it. Or see if he has some friends that are more mechanically inclined and "couch them".
When It starts and runs "briefly", are you spraying starter fluid into the intake? As described in your 1st post.
If no to the starting fluid ....then the fuel pump is trying to run/ function. There is no way that it would run , even briefly, if the fuel pump wasn't being energized and trying to work. Now it still could be under performing. Meaning that the it isn't producing enough pressure. Its rare , but it could be that the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) isn't doing its job and pump is fine.
If yes it only is running, "briefly", on starter fluid....then the fuel pump, in all likelihood, not being energized. Then do What Steve(ill) is suggesting in his first reply.
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From: glnd, az
Used the starting fluid just to get it started then it runs on it's own, until the rpms' are up then it stumbles & dies. It's as if it is not holding the fuel pressure to start nor providing enough to stay at a higher rpm. The pumps I have changed out in the past just died or overheated and cut off. How to check a fuel pressure regulator?
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the 1997-2003 trucks have a SCHRADER valve on the fuel rail above one valve cover. It looks like the fill valve on a tire. You can put a gauge on it to check pressure... You can also "poke" it with a pointed screwdriver / etc and see that is "squirts"... that don't tell you the actual pressure, and don't let it shoot into your face... you should get a quick "PUFF". It should hold maybe 30 psi when not running... If you turn the key a couple times to build up pressure, then push the valve and get NOTHING , that tells you why it will not continue to run .......... I don't see why it would start on fluid, but not on gasoline if you are getting ANY fuel......... follow the fuel rail to the back side of the motor and you should find the "pressure regulator" that would dump back to the tank at a preset pressure ( maybe 40 psi??)... there is probably a vacuum hose on it also.
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From: glnd, az
Sorry for not responding sooner. Couple weeks ago drove over to where the truck was parked and found ...no truck there! Now, being in the phoenix area, former car theft capital of the nation, first thought is that we got nailed again. 
Not so fortunately. Turns out that shortly after I looked at it, he traded it for another vehicle and the new owner towed it away. He just FORGOT TO TELL ME! Thanks for the help everyone. Now that temps here are (barely) dropping out of triple digits,I have to get back to work on my 93 E 150.
Not so fortunately. Turns out that shortly after I looked at it, he traded it for another vehicle and the new owner towed it away. He just FORGOT TO TELL ME! Thanks for the help everyone. Now that temps here are (barely) dropping out of triple digits,I have to get back to work on my 93 E 150.
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