Well, that was interesting.
#1
Well, that was interesting.
I drove my 02 F150 with 5.4L engine to Sams club and picked up some food. After loading the food, the truck wouldn't start. The starter spun the engine fast like always but it wouldn't hit a lick. After trying a few times over 10 or 20 minutes, I called a tow truck and had it towed home. After unloading the food, I hooked up my fuel pressure gauge and hit start. The truck started immediately and is running well???????? Fuel pressure is 30 psig. Any ideas fellows? Oh, it has 148,000 miles on it and probably has the original fuel pump. I bought it in 2009 when it had 69k miles on it.
Last edited by Roadie; 03-14-2018 at 01:58 PM.
#3
Roadie, I had a similar issue with my '02. It was the PCM power relay. My mechanic replaced it and haven't had an issue since.
Everyone, including me and the mechanic thought it was the fuel pump, until he ran a check on everything and discovered a random short in the PCM power relay.
Everyone, including me and the mechanic thought it was the fuel pump, until he ran a check on everything and discovered a random short in the PCM power relay.
Last edited by serotta; 03-14-2018 at 06:09 PM.
#4
I drove it on an errand again today and it started both times. I put my fuel pressure gauge and step ladder in the truck so if it fails to start again, I'll check the pressure when it isn't running. I didn't think to crawl under the truck and kick the fuel tank when the truck didn't start. I may get the pump replaced anyway. I'd hate to have to call a tow truck when I'm on the beach. I suspect they charge megabucks.
#5
Join Date: Oct 2002
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random short in the PCM power relay
Problem could easily be the fuel pump. My 95 Mustang did that to me a couple of years ago. Started right up when it got rolled off the flatbed in front of my garage. It got a new fuel pump anyway since we couldn't hear it cycle during the priming cycle when it failed. Lsten closely next time it fails, if it does, to see if the pump runs or not.
#6
Roadie, I had a similar issue with my '02. It was the PCM power relay. My mechanic replaced it and haven't had an issue since.
Everyone, including me and the mechanic thought it was the fuel pump, until he ran a check on everything and discovered a random short in the PCM power relay.
Everyone, including me and the mechanic thought it was the fuel pump, until he ran a check on everything and discovered a random short in the PCM power relay.
#7
More likely, it was an "intermittent open". A "short" in the relay wouldn't cause your symptom. Usually, if the PCM relay fails, you'll see only dashes in the digital odometer and you'll have a PATS light triggered.
Problem could easily be the fuel pump. My 95 Mustang did that to me a couple of years ago. Started right up when it got rolled off the flatbed in front of my garage. It got a new fuel pump anyway since we couldn't hear it cycle during the priming cycle when it failed. Lsten closely next time it fails, if it does, to see if the pump runs or not.
Problem could easily be the fuel pump. My 95 Mustang did that to me a couple of years ago. Started right up when it got rolled off the flatbed in front of my garage. It got a new fuel pump anyway since we couldn't hear it cycle during the priming cycle when it failed. Lsten closely next time it fails, if it does, to see if the pump runs or not.
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#8
Your symptom and some of the replies remind me of the problem I had with my old 1991 Honda Accord. Once in a while, it would not start when warm. The starter would turn over just fine, but the engine would not fire. I could get it to start after waiting a bit though.
The problem was a "main relay" behind the instrument panel. An internet search told me this was a common problem with this car. I took it out and discovered some of the solder joints on the circuit board in it were cracked. I repaired these and never had a bit of trouble starting again. My Granddaughter now has the car and she is having no trouble with it either.
I'd be willing to bet your problem is something similar. Possibly in the PCM relay or in the Fuel Pump Driver Module?
Let us know what you find out.
- Jack
The problem was a "main relay" behind the instrument panel. An internet search told me this was a common problem with this car. I took it out and discovered some of the solder joints on the circuit board in it were cracked. I repaired these and never had a bit of trouble starting again. My Granddaughter now has the car and she is having no trouble with it either.
I'd be willing to bet your problem is something similar. Possibly in the PCM relay or in the Fuel Pump Driver Module?
Let us know what you find out.
- Jack
#10
The intermittent nature of the problem still sounds like it's electrical in origin to me. Much as you described in your post.
- Jack
#11
I had a similar problem with an 86 Chevy Cavalier a couple of times. I changed out the ignition module and it never happened again. I also had a similar problem with an 89 Ford Escort GT that I bought for my son. I'm not positive what fixed it. I did reset the inertia switch several times during the process of trying to find the problem and it never happened again and lots of miles were put in it afterwards.
If it happens again with my truck I have my fuel pressure gauge with me so i can check the fuel pressure and if it doesn't have pressure I'll rap on the tank to see what happens. If it has pressure then I will know to look elsewhere. I appreciate all the suggestions and knowledge provided.
If it happens again with my truck I have my fuel pressure gauge with me so i can check the fuel pressure and if it doesn't have pressure I'll rap on the tank to see what happens. If it has pressure then I will know to look elsewhere. I appreciate all the suggestions and knowledge provided.
#12
#13
I did lots of rebuilding, modifying, and swapping engines when I was a young energetic pup. But now, I'm a few days from 74 and the energy and the interest is just not there any more. I still do most of my repairs but these newer vehicles are just too much of a pita to work on. The last time I pulled the engine from my 65 Chevelle, it took one hour from turning off the engine to having the engine/transmission swinging from the hoist. Now it takes many hours to change the spark plugs in my truck.