OK, so if the thig starts up, it starts up. Sometimes, it starts a little rough and if I let go of the key "too fast" and it hasn't actually fired up, it slowly dies and then won't start back up again for at least 15 minutes, sometimes longer. Maybe a year or so ago I had an issue starting which turned out to be the fuel pump relay, but I soldered a brand new one in. Not sure what to check as once it starts up everything is fine. Only code is small evap leak that has been there for years.
2003 Expedition Eddie Bauer if it doesn't start up all the way, it won't start again for 15+ minutes.
- Thread starter SteveP
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Hamfisted
Full Access Members
How many miles on the Expy ? Is it the original fuel pump ? Good fuel filter? Do you have a fuel pressure test kit to check the fuel pressure there at the fuel rail schrader valve ?
Did you inspect the PCM relay for melted plastic ( top right relay in the fuse box ...). Try a new PCM relay, or just swap it with one of the other two up there on the top row. If it's the original fuel pump you can pick up a new Delphi or Carter pump from Rock Auto pretty reasonable ( Lifetime Warranty).
Delphi Fuel Pump at Rock Auto
Fuel Pressure Test Gauge on Amazon
.
Did you inspect the PCM relay for melted plastic ( top right relay in the fuse box ...). Try a new PCM relay, or just swap it with one of the other two up there on the top row. If it's the original fuel pump you can pick up a new Delphi or Carter pump from Rock Auto pretty reasonable ( Lifetime Warranty).
Delphi Fuel Pump at Rock Auto
Fuel Pressure Test Gauge on Amazon
.
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blacksattin
New Member
I had the same problem with my 1999 Eddie Bauer, it was the starter solenoid switch.located on the firewall passenger side
I don't know if this is your problem but does it only start when cold? My 2003 would only start when cold. It ran OK but if I went anywhere I could not shut it off! I smelled a bunch of rotten egg smell at the tailpipe and figured it was running rich. So after a week of tinkering with the MAS and air filter, I drove it to Ford. The first thing they checked was the fuel pressure. It was over 60 at idle. Ford said they wanted to drop the tank and change the fuel pump. I told them "Obviously the engine is getting plenty fuel and to keep looking as there is nothing wrong with the fuel pump". They called me 4 hours later and said they found a faulty temp sensor which sits directly underneath the throttle body. This sensor was reading -32 degrees F. Which in turn caused the PCM computer to send max gas to the engine cold or hot. Good luck HB
Sorry, busy work week. Around 268,000 miles. I believe its the original fuel pump. I may have a pressure tester. Ok, some new piece of data. When it happened again a couple days ago, when it didn't start I did NOT hear the fuel pump buzzing. When i turned the key off and back on I did hear the buzz and it started right up. So my guess is the times it does not start is when the fuel pump isn't even buzzing. Since i already replaced that one relay soldered onto the fuse block, i will check that PCM relay you mentioned and report back.
Well it will crank every single time, just won't fire up.
OH interesting. Yeah not sure if same thing but the other day I did not hear the fuel pump buzzing when turning key on, and it did not start, turned key off and back on, heard the buzz and it started, so I am guessing its the fuel pump or some relay.
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Hamfisted
Full Access Members
If you hear the fuel pump from the driver's seat, it's worn out. If you hear the PCM relay buzzing, it's fried. It's probably a combination of the two causing your issue. A high load from the ( old ) fuel pump ends up frying the fuel pump micro relay, as well as the PCM relay.
OH really? I thought you were supposed to hear it buzz? FWIW, i can only hear it if I open the door an lean out the door if its quiet out because that annoying dinging going on. Ok, well maybe I should just order that fuel pump and PCM relay and replace them all
drankinatty
Member
I think this hits the nail on the head. It also make sense with your 15 delay before restart. With a worn/failing pump, you are pulling too much current through the relay causing excessive heat. That can cause havoc in a number of ways from thermal-expansion causing the relay not to close until it cools down again to similar issues with whatever electronics are involved.
I've got an '05 with 254k miles on it, original fuel pump, and I've never heard it make a peep in 20 years. So if you are hearing your fuel pump, that's likely a sign it is involved in your problem. The relays are likely involved as well if they have been subject to excess current for a while. Good luck with your issue!
OK, new information. Ordered the fuel pump linked earlier but it won't arrive until next Friday. I was trying to listen for the fuel pump again while switching the PCM relay around. When I hear it buzz sticking my head out the door, it starts up. About the 5th or 6th time, i did not hear it buzz and it would not start. Tried a couple more times, no sound and no start. Tested the green with yellow wire at the fuse box it shows voltage for a second and then goes back to 0. Jumpered over 12V to the green w/yellow wire and I heard the pump priume and starts right up, then subsequently starts up. Now I resoldered a new relay onto the fuse board not too long ago. like maybe a year or so? Do you think the new relay could already be bad? I got them on Amazon and think they were Omron brand?
whtbronco
Full Access Members
I listen for the fuel pump at every start on every vehicle with an electric fuel pump. I like to make sure it's at full pressure before starting the engine. It's also one way you'll know the fuel pump is not normal anymore.
My wife and kids also listen for it. No problem hearing the pump before starting. However, this requires that you shut off all the accessories and lights. I insist that everything is shut off at the end of each trip.
I am not suggesting Hamfisted is wrong or to disregard his guidance, just that if you listen for it you can hear the pump.
My wife and kids also listen for it. No problem hearing the pump before starting. However, this requires that you shut off all the accessories and lights. I insist that everything is shut off at the end of each trip.
I am not suggesting Hamfisted is wrong or to disregard his guidance, just that if you listen for it you can hear the pump.
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