2001 F150 Supercrew 169K miles. 4 weeks ago I tried to start it after being in the store for 5 minutes. Cranked and cranked, no light off. Showed 1/8 of a tank of gas, but had my wife bring a gallon just in case. While I waited I found the kill switch and pressed reset even though it wasn't popped. No change. I put a gallon of gas in and it started...so I filled it up and figured my 9 year old gas gage was a bit inaccurate.

Had the same thing happen last week - let the gage get down to 1/8 (damn) and it left me stranded again. Added a gallon (had to buy the can this time) - put it in - got it going again. Vowed to never let it get below 1/2.

Fast forward to yesterday. Starts up - runs fine. Come back home for 5 minutes - now it won't start again. Cranks like a champ - no light. I have half a tank in there, easily. Just to be sure, I add another 5 gallons - nothing.

I tried starter fluid and it tried to light off - but it made an awful misfire rumble so I stopped that. I have read thru this forum. Not a PATS issue - theft light comes on and then goes off normally. All fuel pump and relay fuses are good. Tried the click it on and off 10 times trick - no workee. Got under the tank - could not find the FP module mentioned elsewhere. Had my daughter turn ignition on and not a peep out of the fuel pump (as I listened to it from underneath.)

I'm trying to narrow down the likelihood of electric problems, vs bad pump, vs fuel filter (I don't hear the pump come on so I doubt that is it). Just kinda confused because of the two prior instances.

What is the potential to fill the tank and have the weight of the fuel provide enough pressure to get it going so that I could get it to the mechanic?

I have a multimeter and can do the electric troubleshooting - but I'm not skilled enough to do a pump change - will have it towed. Just trying to narrow this down so that I don't blow $600 to change a pump when it was a $100 electric fix all the time.

Thanks for your help!

Tom

 

Sounds to me like you have a bad spot in the fuel pump winding. Have her turn the key on while you smack the bottom of the tank with a 2x4. If the pump starts, you need to replace it. It usually works for me.

 

Thanks Jimmy. I did go under and whack the housing with a mallet - but not while she was attempting a start. Is there a specific part I should be targeting? I appreciate the help.