Won't start - could use some help please.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 4,292
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Won't start - could use some help please.
I have a 99, 4.6, 130k. It has been running fine. I drove it yesterday and parked it. I got in it this morning and it won't start. It turns over fine. There are no codes. The tank is almost full. I checked the fuel cut off, but it is fine. I checked all the fuses under the hood, but had to go to work before I could check the ones under the dash. I just got back. Does the fuel pump work on a relay? Any ideas? Or something I should check?
Thanks for any help.
Thanks for any help.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
You need to check for spark at 4 of the spark plugs minimum. You also need to check for fuel pressure (key on) at the fuel rail.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Thanks for the reply. I have something to check for spark. Can I get something from Pep Boys or AZ etc. to check the fuel pressure? Is it just key on and not turning over? Should I check the spark plugs 2 on each side?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
OK, I have spark but no fuel pressure. I tried a squirt of ether and it fired up for a few seconds. So I assume either no power to the pump or a bad pump. I do not have a list of which fuses and relays are for what, for either box. Does anyone have a list? I am guessing the pump runs from a relay.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
I got a copy of the manual. The fuse is good for the pump. Is there anything else to be checked before I start to pull the pump out? Not looking forward to this. I just filled the tank. Also where is the best place to buy a pump?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
How about the fuel pump relay #301 did you swap it to see if it made a difference?
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
I had to work late for a few days and just got back to it. I checked both fuses. At first I didn't realize the pump also had a relay. But when I saw your post I went and bought a new one. Unfortunately it did not help. Could it be a bad ground causing the problem? I would think since the engine turns over that it would be good, but I see the battery terminal looks like it needs a good cleaning. Everything else seems to work.
It just seems strange to me that there was no problem the night before, but in the morning it wouldn't start. It was easy to start and no problems driving all week. Does a pump just go bad like that?
It just seems strange to me that there was no problem the night before, but in the morning it wouldn't start. It was easy to start and no problems driving all week. Does a pump just go bad like that?
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Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: St Louis
Listen carefully for the fuel pump to run for 1-2 seconds when the key is first turned to RUN. That is your priming cycle.
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Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2004
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
I'll check it out after work tonight. I wear 2 hearing aids so I will have to get underneath to listen. I have a new gauge hooked to the fuel rail but it never moves when I try and start it.
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Logistics Pro
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From: NJ where fun comes to die
Well I don't hear any noise under there. Unless it is a broken wire I think the pump has to come out. Do I need any special tools for the gas lines? Who sells a good one? New or rebuilt? This one lasted 11 years.
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Joined: Sep 2006
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I've never changed the fuel pump on my Expy but I have done it on my Cobra. I used the fuel disconnect tool (purchased from local parts store). Is the pump inside the tank? I'm sure someone has posted a DIY for this somewhere on here.
But I can tell you what I did to change the pump in the Cobra.
1. disconnected the battery
2. you shouldn't have to relieve the pressure since it's been sitting
3. disconnected the fuel lines (clean around the lines so nothing drops in)
4. removed the filler hose
5. used hydraulic jack with a block of wood for even leverage on the tank. placed the jack and wood under the tank, removed tank strap and lowered tank onto a set of jack stands below the tank (did this 'cause I could not remove the gas from the tank - about 2/3 full). worked the tank to the ground and dumped the gas into a couple 5 gallon buckets. used a piece of wood and hammer to turn the locking ring for the fuel pump. noted how I remove the pump.
6. reverse to install fuel pump
7. change fuel filter
But I can tell you what I did to change the pump in the Cobra.
1. disconnected the battery
2. you shouldn't have to relieve the pressure since it's been sitting
3. disconnected the fuel lines (clean around the lines so nothing drops in)
4. removed the filler hose
5. used hydraulic jack with a block of wood for even leverage on the tank. placed the jack and wood under the tank, removed tank strap and lowered tank onto a set of jack stands below the tank (did this 'cause I could not remove the gas from the tank - about 2/3 full). worked the tank to the ground and dumped the gas into a couple 5 gallon buckets. used a piece of wood and hammer to turn the locking ring for the fuel pump. noted how I remove the pump.
6. reverse to install fuel pump
7. change fuel filter