2001 f150 SuperCrew
5.4l


This problem has been intermittent until today. Happened mostly when warm running a series of errands. Never an issue when cold starting in the morning.
Been parked for 1 week during a vacation. The engine cranks hard, but doesn't start.
There is no pressure at the fuel rail. I pushed the valve, and nothing leaked/sprayed out.
I can hear the pump at key on. After the pump runs, and shuts off, I hear a faint 'thud'. I think from the front or under my driver seat?
I tried switching the fuel pump relay under the hood with the trailer relay(same size). No luck.
Doesn't seem to be PATS since it cranks, right?

I want to thank the members here for their time, and hopefully I can get this turd running soon!!

 

I just went through this. Ended up being the fuel pump, which I replaced vs. the entire unit. Bought a Bosche unit. Good for another 200K!

 

Thanks for the input.
What do you mean you "replaced vs. the entire unit"?

 

You just replace the pump out, rather than changing the whole assembly in the tank.
A lot less expensive also.

 

Looks like I'm gonna be laid out flat in the snow for Christmas.
Thanks for the advice!

 

Yank the fuel filter first and change it. Could still be the pump but the filter will have to be done any way and it may solve your problem.

 

Pats will let it crank all day. Is the security light flashing?

 

It did during one round of trying to start it today. Not any more though.

 

Sounds like the pump then. I assume you checked the fuse.

 

go hit the bottom of the tank with your fist or something and see if it will start then

 

I thumped the tank with no luck. And I checked the fuse. All looks good.
Is there any other troubleshooting I can do without electrical tools to rule anything else (cheaper) out?

BTW... this forum is awesome. Thanks for all the help with this!!

 

^This.

 

just check the fuses again and try to hit it again til it works (if it will), if not then it's more than likely the pump

 

Think the fuel filter is your next best thing to try!!!! Then the pump. Also maybe change the filter,, then beat gas tank like Coobies said.

 

A very long shot but check the fuel pump shutoff relay behind the passenger kick panel. I've seen the wiring connector lock tab broken off which allow the harness to come unplugged from it. Might also hit the reset button on top of it just in case it tripped somehow. Probably not the case though since you can hear the fuel pump activating.

My work car (Saturn) had a weird problem once where it would only run when the tank was 100% full. As soon as the needle moved off the full mark, it would die. Since it was a standard, I'd pop the clutch hard and it would run for a few more miles and die again. Turned out the two screens at the bottom of the pump were totally clogged, the electric part of the pump was fine.