Truck won't start unless I use starting fluid
Asked by GuruZMS2K Dec 03, 2017 at 12:17 PM about the 2003 Ford F-150 XLT Extended Cab 4WD LB
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
I've been having problems starting my truck. Sometimes it will start and
sometimes it won't. I was thinking it was the fuel pump driver, only to find out
there isn't one on my vehicle. Last night I tried to start it but it wouldn't until I
sprayed starting fluid into it. It started but won't stay running unless I keep
using starting fluid. I hear clicking at the relay when key is turned but i dont
hear buzzing when I put my ear to fuel tank. ( fuel pump ???).
8 Answers
Sounds like a fuel pump - or rather, it doesn't sound like a fuel pump. You should definitely be able to hear a fuel pump in first few seconds of turning key to on.
They other day I could hear the pump for a few seconds when key was turned but today I hear nothing. I live in a small town with no parts store and no way to get to one. So I would have to have it shipped to me. Trying to be at least 90% sure it the fuel pump before I go through all that.
Can you get ahold of a fuel pressure tester? That way you can know for sure. Or if you can access fuel pump without removing it you can determine if it is getting voltage. It's either not getting an electrical signal (meaning a bad relay or ignition circuit) or it is getting a proper signal meaning a bad pump.
No tester. If I do replace, should I buy the whole Assembly or can I get just the pump itself ?
I would test first to see if it really is a bad pump versus it not getting a proper signal or voltage. Test the relay, even if you hear it clicking. The powertrain control module energizes the relay to switch it on, the electrical power runs through an inertia fuel shutoff switch which is located under the hood. Try finding a manual online that can give you testing procedures to determine if the problem is the fuel pump itself OR a bad circuit. BTW, I tend to replace entire fuel pump assemblies, usually things like float arms, level sensors, or in-tank filters or relief valves get gunked up, not worth dealing with.
Where do I put started fluid in my 1987 Ford F-150 XLT pickup truck
