My expedition has been sitting for about 1 year. I live in Georgia and it is not a wet location. In that time I have not started it. Went to start, it turns over but wont catch. I dont hear the hum coming from the fuel pump. Check fuses and they are ok. Any simple suggestions? Can I swap out the relays with a different one, to see if it is the relay? I checked the Inertia switch and it is ok. All help would be great thanks GARY
2003 expedition wont start
- Thread starter gmacthree
- Start date
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Bedrck47
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Did you check for voltage at the Inertia Switch.
How did you check the fuses?
No need to swap relays as the Fuel Pump Relay is not removable by normal means. It is soldered to the circuit board in the fuse block.
Get voltage readings at the Inertia and post the readings.
Have you tested for fuel pressure at the fuel rail?
Have you changed the fuel filter since its been sitting for a year?
How did you check the fuses?
No need to swap relays as the Fuel Pump Relay is not removable by normal means. It is soldered to the circuit board in the fuse block.
Get voltage readings at the Inertia and post the readings.
Have you tested for fuel pressure at the fuel rail?
Have you changed the fuel filter since its been sitting for a year?
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Bedrck47
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Can you read and understand wiring diagrams?
Do you have a volt/ohm meter?
how well can you troubleshoot electrical problems?
Do you have a volt/ohm meter?
how well can you troubleshoot electrical problems?
Bedrck47
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There is no FUEL PUMP DRIVERS MODULE on the 2003 Expeditions They are only on the 05 and 06 Expeditions
You need to google it so you know for the future
Since its Easter, I will be working on car later in week. Fuses look good, swap out inertia switch with another. Still no start. Next I will check fuel pressure. Also How do i check voltage to pimp without crawling under car. Thanks
Bedrck47
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First check to see if you have voltage at the Inertia switch. If don't have it there then you will not need to crawl under. When checking for voltage you MUST get a voltage reading as soon as the key is turned to the run position. The circuit will drop voltage after a few seconds if the engine isn't running. Use a helper or long leads so you can view the volt meter.
If you don't have voltage at the output side of the Inertia switch there is no need to test fuel pressure.
I always hate it when someone says fuses LOOKED GOOD. To prove my point on this If your expy didn't crank over would you look at the battery and say it looks good or would you test it. Same applies for fuses The only sure way is to test for voltage. Checking with a OHM meter is good as it will prove it is a good fuse . But checking for voltage says its has voltage and also is a good fuse.
If you don't have voltage at the output side of the Inertia switch there is no need to test fuel pressure.
I always hate it when someone says fuses LOOKED GOOD. To prove my point on this If your expy didn't crank over would you look at the battery and say it looks good or would you test it. Same applies for fuses The only sure way is to test for voltage. Checking with a OHM meter is good as it will prove it is a good fuse . But checking for voltage says its has voltage and also is a good fuse.
Bedrck47
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Why did you SWAP out the Inertia switch? Had you checked for voltage you would have seen if it was working or not. If you didn't have voltage then the next thing to do would be to use a OHM meter and check for continuity thru the switch. You made more work for yourself by swapping out parts that you didn't test.
I can only help you if you follow the suggestions I make to you.
I can only help you if you follow the suggestions I make to you.
Bedrck47
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Something easy for you to try Have a helper try to start the expy While you take a rubber mallet and bang on the side of the fuel tank. Not the skid plate but on the side of the tank. This may sound strange but it has been know to help If the engines starts by doing this, Then plan on replacing the fuel pump.
Bedrck47
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Another thing you can do is get a can of starting fluid and spray a little bit into the intake of the throttle body to see if it tries to fire up. Just a little bit Don't over spray.
Again you may need a helper while you do this
Again you may need a helper while you do this
Hey thanks for all the good advice. I will get a friend who has voltage meter.
A few answers to your questions: I removed the fuses one by one and checked to see if they were burnt. None were. I did try banging on the tank and it did not help (many times). I tried the starting fluid and the engine started but it was brief (did it several times, also). I do have a new battery and I will scan for codes next (my friend has my scanner) Besides the fuses for the fuel, can it be a different fuses that controls something else? If it is the fuel pump i have researching ways to remove it. I Obviously know that you have to drop the tank, but others have cut through the floor boards to reach it without dropping the tank. Any history of doing this? Again thanks Gary
A few answers to your questions: I removed the fuses one by one and checked to see if they were burnt. None were. I did try banging on the tank and it did not help (many times). I tried the starting fluid and the engine started but it was brief (did it several times, also). I do have a new battery and I will scan for codes next (my friend has my scanner) Besides the fuses for the fuel, can it be a different fuses that controls something else? If it is the fuel pump i have researching ways to remove it. I Obviously know that you have to drop the tank, but others have cut through the floor boards to reach it without dropping the tank. Any history of doing this? Again thanks Gary
Bedrck47
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Gary
You have one of two problems Either you have a bad Fuel Pump and checking for voltage at the inertia switch will give the answer
Or you have a bad relay in the fuse block. If the relay is bad it can be repaired if you have electrical experience or you will have to replace the fuse block.
As far as cutting through the floor boards It is possible But its nothing I would do Sparks and gas don't mix. But that's my opinion And I know other will say different.
Get the voltage readings and we will go from there.
You have one of two problems Either you have a bad Fuel Pump and checking for voltage at the inertia switch will give the answer
Or you have a bad relay in the fuse block. If the relay is bad it can be repaired if you have electrical experience or you will have to replace the fuse block.
As far as cutting through the floor boards It is possible But its nothing I would do Sparks and gas don't mix. But that's my opinion And I know other will say different.
Get the voltage readings and we will go from there.
Bedrck47
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No problem But your doing work that really isn't need Until you get voltage readings Do you have a test lamp? Or can you make one up
GAINMOB
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check the alt as well...most likely its still the original alt and with it being 03...its time for new alt
ok after all this time I put a voltage test on the inertia switch. I took the leads and stuck them into the inertia switch wiring harness. I turned the key and the reading was 11.9 volts for a few seconds and then stopped. I guess this means I am getting power back to the inertia switch. I checked the inertia switch by smacking a rubber mallet next to it and it would pop. Is it good or bad (the inertia switch)? What else can it be.
Bedrck47
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Being you have voltage at the inertia switch it is time to drop the fuel tank and change the fuel pump. One thing you could do would be to spray some starting fluid into the throttle body and have a helper start the engine to see if it will start. Just don't over spray the fluid. The engine should fire up briefly.
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