My 02 Screw started fine this morning.. gas light was on so stopped for gas.. put in 1/2 a tank (as I was already late for work) and the truck would not start again. Cranks hard but never comes close to starting... was able to push it into a parking spot - walked home and took the wife's van to work..

Other notes:
-For the past week, I've been hearing a very low humming sound that lasts 1-2seconds shortly after starting the truck (barely audible)
-CEL has been on for 2 months - can't remember the code offhand but it had to do with the DPFE (egr flow insufficient) - kept driving it, as I don't notice any symptoms.
-I got ~82K on the engine.. only thing replaced was a COP and battery (and engine oil of course).

I'm thinking fuel pump... any quick way to check this? Any other ideas?? Thanks in advance,

Paul

 

do you normaly run you gas low? i know when i took my fuel class in school running ur gas low is very very hard on the pumps. the pump uses the cold gas to keep the pump it self cool. if you run ur tank low the pump gets very hott then when you fill it up the shock of the cold destroys the pump and you get a no start and have a shot fuel pump with a full tank of gas.... it sounds like this is what happend to you.

i recommend doing a fuel Pressure check, and a fuel volume check. change fuel filter frist alot cheaper and easyer to do. Also on fords check internata switch. if you have good PSI and volume, Check spark. the EGR code shouldnt cause a no start i had an EGR code for over 40,000 miles. im aiming towards fuel pump thoe.

 

I recommend getting those codes checked again and replacing that dpfe sensor if needed. I had to replace mine at about 80k miles. It's a very simple fix for an average DIY'r.

 

Your logic sounds good... I must confess I do occassionally run the gauge to below E... The most gas I've ever put in has been ~23 gallons and I've never ran it dry... The distance from my house to the gas station is 1/4 mile so I don't think it would overheat and or have thermal shock affects from gas, but perhaps the damage was already done..

I've never meaured fuel pressure/volume before, but I'll snoop around the forum for instructions on how to do this. Never heard of a an "internata switch"... Where might I find this? What is its purpose?

Like you, I've been driving with the EGR code for some time.. The truck runs fine (or did until this morning). I don't think its the culprit, but I wanted to present that info... Will a low fuel pressure warning code be present if my pump is bad?

Thanks again for the suggestions,

Paul

 

The inertia switch reset is behind the floor kick panel on the passenger side floor, on the right of where the passengers feet would be. It trips if the truck has sustained a hit or drop to prevent gas from continuing to run as a safety measure. Doubt that is your problem, but you never know.

I had a no start condition with my truck soon after I bought it last year. It was my crankshaft position sensor. It's down by the AC compressor. Look up from below, and see it between the AC compressor and the engine block. Mine must have just been loose or a bit corroded. I unplugged, then plugged it back in, and she started.

Good luck!!

 

An "inertia" switch is much different from a "Internata" switch - I suspected it might be a typo Thanks for providing the location of the so called switch and thanks for yet another item to check. Would the crankshaft PS throw a code if bad?

I've consulted a friend at work who is bringing in a fuel pressure gauge and code reader for me tomorrow.. He asked if my truck has a shraeder valve on the fuel rail as this is how his gauge connects.. I have no clue... anyone?

Thanks again,

Paul

 

Yes; schraeder valve on the passenger side of the fuel rail.

You need to get the OBDII scanned; there may be additional codes now. A bad DPFE would not prevent the truck from starting so there's something else going on. Can you hear the fuel pump come on when you turn the key (before cranking)? If not, your fuel pump could be goner, but it could be the relay too. Need to start by getting the code(s).

 

Well, went back to the truck today prepared to tow the thing back home.. A funny thing happened... It started right up... :o:o:o

Man, do I feel lame.. I just read on another forum that some people experience intermittant starting issues... I truly hope that this is not the beginning of that scenario...

At any rate, I'll run a scan tomorrow and report any codes..

 

yes it was a typo as many will tell you im not known for my spelling. i didnt think that switch would be it but before spending a bunch of money check something free frist lol.

id still do a Fuel PSI test and a volume test.

also ive learned if there is crap in ur tank it will get sucked onto the sock and cause it to stare for gas then you turn off the truck the crap settles to the bottom of tank again until restart.

 

Don't pass on the fuel pump yet.

Mine did this, would'nt start, the wait an hour and it would start. Same symtoms as yours.

It was the fuel pump after researching long and hard about this problem.

 

Exact same experience here.

 

Glad she started. Mine could have been a fluke too. No problems since though. Let us know what find out.

 

Well, I've gone a few days now with no further issues... The truck starts quickly with no hesitation. Thanks for the heads up on possible reoccurrences... I will definitely change my habits and fill up before my low fuel light comes on. Hopefully the fuel pump will last many more years to come...

I did run a scan and no new codes popped up - just the P0401 (low EGR flow) which I already knew about. The fuel pressure gauge I borrowed had the wrong size shraeder valve, so I didn't get a reading..

Thanks one and all for the input/advice...

Paul