intermittent starting problems
Meaner than Ymeski
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 23,811
Likes: 828
Well, still having the same issues.
So far I'm trying to determine the things its not.
Fuel Pump Relay: REPLACED
PCM Relay: REPLACED
Inertia Switch: BYPASSED
When they hooked up their tester, like I said, I got a P0230 Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Fault error, but after another crank, the error vanished and the truck started right up.
Hopefully someone can help me a bit with some questions I still have:
1.) What is included in the Fuel Pump Primary Circuit? Does it include the pump itself or just the wiring? I'm out of ideas, so maybe this really is the issue. Banging on the relay could have been a coincidence.
2.) Does the computer have any effect on the fuel pump?
3.) I do have an OEM security system I believe ( as evidenced by having a flashing 'ANTI-THEFT' light that constantly flashes on my dash while the vehicle is off) and I know on some vehicles such as the Oldsmobile Alero, the security system can screw up and block fuel flow to the engine. Is this how the F150 system works as well? Would I receive that error message if it was the security system?
Thanks for any help.
So far I'm trying to determine the things its not.
Fuel Pump Relay: REPLACED
PCM Relay: REPLACED
Inertia Switch: BYPASSED
When they hooked up their tester, like I said, I got a P0230 Fuel Pump Primary Circuit Fault error, but after another crank, the error vanished and the truck started right up.
Hopefully someone can help me a bit with some questions I still have:
1.) What is included in the Fuel Pump Primary Circuit? Does it include the pump itself or just the wiring? I'm out of ideas, so maybe this really is the issue. Banging on the relay could have been a coincidence.
2.) Does the computer have any effect on the fuel pump?
3.) I do have an OEM security system I believe ( as evidenced by having a flashing 'ANTI-THEFT' light that constantly flashes on my dash while the vehicle is off) and I know on some vehicles such as the Oldsmobile Alero, the security system can screw up and block fuel flow to the engine. Is this how the F150 system works as well? Would I receive that error message if it was the security system?
Thanks for any help.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
I took it to the dealership today (*cringe*) and it perplexed the mechanic there so much he wanted to take it home with him for no extra charge. I'm tired of fighting with it and need it fixed so I agreed and told him to keep it until he finds the problem because as much as I like the damn thing, I'm a my wits end and if he can't find a solution then I'm trading it in for something else.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Michigan
So I went to go pick my truck up from the dealership today. I told the mechanic that I wanted specifics as to exactly what to look for because I knew this would happen again. We walked out to my truck and to save face, I let him start with the fuel pump and hearing the 'buzzing', etc.
We heard the buzz three times, and cranked.
No start.
Thank God they finally found the problem. He checked the Schrader Valve, and even though the pump was buzzing, there was no fuel in the line. Therefore it's electronically turning on, just not pumping apparently. It appears I was barking up the wrong tree with the electrical stuff.
Here's the kicker; the dealership estimate was $6 more than my independent place that I always get my cars fixed at. The dealership warranty is also a year as opposed to 3 months.
Hot damn. Thanks to everyone who helped.
We heard the buzz three times, and cranked.
No start.
Thank God they finally found the problem. He checked the Schrader Valve, and even though the pump was buzzing, there was no fuel in the line. Therefore it's electronically turning on, just not pumping apparently. It appears I was barking up the wrong tree with the electrical stuff.
Here's the kicker; the dealership estimate was $6 more than my independent place that I always get my cars fixed at. The dealership warranty is also a year as opposed to 3 months.
Hot damn. Thanks to everyone who helped.
