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Fuel Problem

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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 06:19 PM
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Fuel Problem

Hello,

I am new here and wanted to ask for ideas on a problem. I have a 1997 F 350, 4 WD, 460, 5 speed, pickup bed, single wheel. It has 2 fuel tanks. Does not get driven much since I hit a Jack Daniels truck with it, but I use it for my firewood truck. I backed it into my storage with a load of wood about 3-4 weeks ago before a snow storm/temps below zero. After the snow melted it would not start. Battery was dead, charged it, redid cables, will crank but not hit. I took the fuel filter off and no fuel was pumping to there. No sound of the fuel pump kicking on. I checked fuel pump fuse, fuel pump relay, tank selector switch. Still no fuel. I am assuming that one of the tank pumps would work if one pump was shot. It does have the trick (for years) of pumping fuel from one tank to the other. The gauges shows one tank full, one almost empty. Should hear pump running even with no fuel. What am I missing?
 
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Old Feb 9, 2024 | 10:28 PM
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Your 97 did the same thing with dumping fuel into the other full tank. In my case I typically kept both full so when it screwed up I had a fuel spill everywhere. been some years but yes, if a tank is empty thats all the more reason to hear a pump running. Pull the gas caps off and double check for the buzz. If not start diggin in for a bad relay, chewed thru wires or a bad ground perhaps.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 11:38 AM
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I checked the fuse and it has continuity. The fuse location has 12 volts to the tab. I did not have a new relay but tried 3 used ones and they did not get it hot. The fuel tank selector switch shows continuity to both tank locations. The plug coming into the selector shows 7 volts to one tab. does this model have the suicide switch that kills the fuel pump power in a collision? Seems like it is somewhere under the glovebox? I don't have a manual for this truck and my phone keeps losing my bookmarks.
 
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Old Feb 10, 2024 | 03:31 PM
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Try to jumper the fuel relay hot to pump, this will tell you if it’s not getting power from the ignition switch or from the oil pressure switch to energize the coil side of the relay.
 
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Old Feb 12, 2024 | 06:03 PM
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I replaced the fuel pump relay, the ignition switch, and jumpered the impact safety switch. Still nothing.

Is there a pressure switch in the pump that cuts it off with no pressure, like a broken fuel line? I have the fuel filter off now.
 

Last edited by BobcatNT; Feb 12, 2024 at 06:25 PM.
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Old Feb 15, 2024 | 06:39 PM
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Do the fuel pumps ground to the frame or bed somewhere in the back, or have a wire that goes al the way back to the post on the fender next to the battery?
 
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Old Feb 17, 2024 | 01:06 PM
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Moved to correct forum.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2024 | 01:54 PM
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Two things you can try.
1. Use a jumper wire to force the fuel pump relay on. If the relay is good, you'll hear it click and the pumps should turn on if the key is in the 'run' position. If the fuel pump turns on, then you have a problem with your computer or your wiring. If it doesn't turn on, see step 2.

2. Bypass the fuel pump relay altogether, and give 12v to the pump. You can use a paper clip or a small length of wire for this. Key can be in any position. If the fuel pump turns on, then you have a bad relay. Swap your horn relay for your fuel pump relay and try again.


report back with your findings.
 
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Old Feb 17, 2024 | 02:27 PM
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If the inertia switch is shut off it will cause this problem. It is located behind the passenger kick panel. There should be a notch at the top of the panel. Put your finger through that and you will feel the button.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 05:18 PM
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I jumpered wthe inertia switch wire. Nothing. I jumpered the relay plugs, nothing with switch off it on. Did not do what you showed in your picture 1 as my truck looks different there. I swapped relays around and replaced the relay. Nothing. Jumpered hot wire to both tanks at rocker switch. Nothing. One pump shows some continuity, one does not. If I knew pump wire colors at tank I would splice hot leads in directly. The truck has been in a wreck and the hood does not fit tight to the cowl. Wondered if ice and snow dropped into the firewall somehow. I also wondered with old gas in the tanks that ice got in the pumps and burnt them both.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 05:45 PM
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Originally Posted by BobcatNT
I jumpered wthe inertia switch wire. Nothing. I jumpered the relay plugs, nothing with switch off it on. Did not do what you showed in your picture 1 as my truck looks different there. I swapped relays around and replaced the relay. Nothing. Jumpered hot wire to both tanks at rocker switch. Nothing. One pump shows some continuity, one does not. If I knew pump wire colors at tank I would splice hot leads in directly. The truck has been in a wreck and the hood does not fit tight to the cowl. Wondered if ice and snow dropped into the firewall somehow. I also wondered with old gas in the tanks that ice got in the pumps and burnt them both.
T



Abracadabra.
THe photos I sent were from a 1995 f350 7.5 e4od. I'd suspect 1997 is identical, but ford has tricked me before.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 05:49 PM
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Will the wires be the same colors at the tank?
sorry. Slow iPad. Just got the 2nd schematic. Thanks.
 

Last edited by BobcatNT; Feb 18, 2024 at 05:51 PM.
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 05:50 PM
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Yes. And if photo #1 looks different, then you probably have a OBD2 truck? Do you have OBD2? Do you have a code reader port under the steering wheel?
 
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 05:59 PM
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Somebody mentioned the oil pressure switch, but this diagram does not show it in line. The truck is building oil pressure as it cranks.
 
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Old Feb 18, 2024 | 06:00 PM
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Has no code reader.
 
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