Won't Start!

[LukeM Mekker]

For the first time in the 5 years that I have owned the truck, it won't start. I drove about 5-miles to work yesterday...and when leaving to go home after work, it won't start!! All electric is okay, and the engine turns over, it just does not start.



The research I have done so far leads me to the fuel pump...which I don't hear kicking in when I turn the key to the 'on' position.



I have tried jumper cables, and tried hitting the fuel reset button...but no change today either.



Does anyone have any ideas or experience with this?

I would love to avoid having it towed and paying for a new pump, etc...



Thanks!

Luke

 

[lee tremblett 2]

try the fpdm up behind the rear tire.had the tank out 2 times before i figured it out.common prob apparently:haveabeer:

 

[Norm Reeves]

This may help......

 

[Vic Sorlie]

Just askin' - how many miles on your Trac, and same question for fuel filter?

 

[LukeM Mekker]

About 65,000 miles -- and pretty sure the fuel filter is original.

 

[EddieS'04]

We have had a few members, have bad reset modules also.

Try using a jumper wire to bypass it.

Also dont forget about the fuse and pump relay. In the main power box, under the hood.

 

[LukeM Mekker]

Thanks for all the replies -- I read through the f150 article...and might try and look at that. Unfortunately, the truck is in the parking lot at work...so not the easiest to work on, etc...



Eddie -- when you mention the fuse and relay...would I be replacing these? Or just pulling the fuse and putting it back in? Or just checking to make sure the fuse isn't faulty? Same goes for the jumper wire you mention...

Sorry, don't work on autos that much



Any procedure help is appreciated!!!!!

 

[Vic Sorlie]

You're going to have to have it flatbedded somewhere - to your house if not a shop. Pretty difficult to diagnose and fix a busted car in a parking lot. You're definitely overdue for a fuel filter. A five year old battery may not be up to snuff either. I think you'd want to see if there's any OBD codes registered. Good luck and let us know what you did to fix it.

 

[Bob McDonald]

I don't see where anyone has mentioned the inertia switch behind the kick panel of the passenger front seat.

 

[swshawaii]

I have tried jumper cables, and tried hitting the fuel reset button...but no change today either

Would assume that's what he meant.

 

[LukeM Mekker]

Well after work yesterday, I decided to try starting the truck one more time while pushing the reset button...and what do you know, it started! So I pulled into a handicap spot, so that I could put my wife's van in the spot the truck was in. I figured I better get the truck home as soon as possible. I backed the truck out of the spot, and then started to pull away, and the thing shuts down!! Right in the middle of the parking lot lane!!!



I had it towed to a repair place a few miles away. I went there this morning to have them do an overdue inspection on my wife's van...and while they were doing this, I went out and tried to start the truck again. Got in the truck, pushed the reset button, and it started!!! This time, I was able to drive around the parking lot a few times. Even parked it, shut it off, and started it again, a few times.



So now what do I do?!!? I am nervous to drive it around, as it might shut down while at a red light, etc... Is there anything I should have the repair shop do while it is there?



Like maybe replace the fuel filter ($100)...and maybe have them do a fuel system clean-out/treatment thing...about $60 they said.



Any other thoughts?

When I get it home, I will definitely drop the spare tire to see what the FPDM looks like.



Oh, and of course, I had to replace the rear brakes and rotors of my wife's van, cause they wouldn't pass inspection. :banghead:

 

[John Zuber]

I would replace the fuel filter. Look at my recent thread of 4/20/2013 (What the heck is wrong) and see my last comment...it provides excellent help in pulling off the filter. Go to Advance Auto and buy the $14 3/8 tool. Be sure to pull the fuse relay, relive fuel pressure by cranking, and read the rest of the thread to follow directions. Most likely you have an electrical issue, but I think my filter was partially clogged so I'm glad I changed it.

 

[Vic Sorlie]

I'd do the easiest thing first - new fuel filter. However $100 seems about double what I'd expect to pay. Check the link below and you'll see this part's available for less than $20. It's not hard to do, but you do need an inexpensive line release tool. More importantly you're working with gasoline so you need to be careful; wear safety glasses or goggles and have a fire extinguisher at hand. I don't think the FPDM is your problem - IMO, electronic components either work or they don't.

 

[EddieS'04]

Though you are over due for the fuel filter. You say it restarts when you push the reset. You may have a bad reset switch. Not holding.



Although it is unusual. We have had about 6 members with bad resets.

When I mentioned jumping a bypass. Unplug it and find a wire or paper clip to plug into the reset harness.. If it doesnt shut down again. the switch is bad.

 

[Mark Price 2]

I don't know if the inertia switch is the same in a Gen2 but..I had a bad inertia switch.(Gen1) It was easily tripped by the slightest bump or child kicking the panel. Replaced it in 5 min. Got the part from dealer. IIRC under $20. Comparing the old switch to the new, I could easily tell the old one was "loose". The button could pop back up with the slightest shake. The new switch needed a good slap to trigger it.(pop back up) You should not have to hold down the button. It should stay down on its own. The only thing that is supposed to make the button pop back up is an accident. ...My father just had his 07 ST fuel filter replaced at Firestone for $60+ I believe. I scolded him for not bringing it to me to do. If your not comfortable doing it on your own, thats ok. Just try a few different places for a better price. The inertia switch you should be able to do no problem and lots of folks here to help.