I have a 98 4 cyl ford contour se, In the past month it has died 3 times just at random, and today when I went to start it, it started fine went forward about 5 feet then died. Now when I try to start it, it won't start kind of like it's out of gas. I removed the back seat so I could access the pump and when i start the key it sounds like the pump starts for 2 seconds then turns off, which makes me think it's not the fuel pump. I changed the fuel filter about a month ago so that shouldn't be the problem. Any ideas?How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
Pressure test.
Volume test.
And if you want to be really, really sure it's OK, hook it up to an oscilloscope.
http://www.asashop.org/autoinc/jan98/tecHow can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
do you have any fuel pressure when it is on ? if not then the fuel pumpHow can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
ignition module maybeHow can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
Do a feul pump test if you dont have any reading after test replace it.How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
You use a fuel pressure guage. That way you know exactly how it's working in 2 seconds without any monkeying around.
Most people would rather monkey around with a car, replacing random parts, than make a diagnostic measurement, though. Don't you be that way, okay?How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
You can rent a fuel pressure tester from napa or autozone for next to nothing test your fuel pressure under the hood on the fuel rail it should have a service port. The pump coming on then shutting off when the key is turned is normal just a prime cycle when the engine is running the pump will remain on. Also may want to have your ignition module checked they can check it for you at any parts store im sure hope this helps.How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
ok a few ways to check it, fuel gauge pressure tester (harbor freight will do) you should have 40psi at almost all times and under load like 50-60psi... and if it dives to 5-10psi the pump is weak... Also if you get it to die push on the schrader valve on the fuel line while cranking .. or connect gauge and see if you have 0psi... if you see no fuel pressure check power and ground circuit's if they are good. its your pump 100%. ... or you could jsut shotgun a fuel pump like 90% of techs will do now days then figure out its the fuel pump relay.How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
you asked this question yesterday, you should review the answers....
check fuel pressure with pressure test. if out of spec it may be on its way out. it could also be your fuel pump relay. if you have no tools, push in the valve at the test port, with a rag around it, fuel should come out.
if fuel comes out, check for spark (this should be test one, since you'll have fuel around engine bay) remove wire from sparkplug and have an assistant crank it over. no spark? then you have isolated your problem. report back. these tests will only take you 5 minutes.How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
Take the hose going to the motor from the fuel pump off and turn the motor over and if fuel comes out the pump is good.How can I tell if my fuel pump is bad?
I would not focus only on the fuel pump being the problem. With a crank/no start problem, there could be many possible causes. Since the pump ran 2 seconds to pressurize the system, we know it's not the fuse, relay or inertia switch. Even if you are getting fuel at the rail, it doesn't mean the injectors are firing. The last time I saw this on a 98 Ford 4 cyl, the teeth at the crank were worn off on the timing belt. Anyway, chances are good, the pump is sending enough volume since these cars don't require much to fire. A little starter fluid can get them to fire if there is adequate spark available.
I would check the IAC(Idle Air Control) motor. It is very common for these to go bad or the air path to become clogged. Press the gas pedal to the floor and attempt to start the vehicle. This puts the car in a lean mode and see if it fires. If it does and stays running with the throttle plate partially open, then you might need a new IAC motor.
I would check if the plugs are firing. You can either use a spark tester(about $5.00) or crank the engine and then pull a plug. If the plug is wet, black and smells like fuel, you know a few things. The injectors are firing and the plug is probably not sparking. This could be either the coil, module, crank sensor or fuse that powers the module or coil.
The engine only needs fuel, spark, air and compression to fire. Figuring out which one isnt the difficult part. It is usually the why that is the difficult part. Check each area as best you can.
