Cold weather fuel pump failure?

lone-ranger · #1 11-12-2014, 05:23 PM

Hey all,

First, I tried to search and didn't find my exact problem. Second, sorry if this is in the wrong section.

My problem is that winter is back in my neck of the woods. My truck has not been starting like it should. When I turn the key to "on", the fuel pump will not cycle until I turn the key another 20-40 times. But once it cycles, it starts right up and runs like a champ. Is my fuel pump failing (factory Ford pump) or is it something else?

I don't have access to a multimeter right now, but I can hear the relay clicking when I stand by the power box under the hood, as well as the fuel pump inertia switch under the passenger footwell (I also tried to reset the switch - it wasn't tripped).

Hitting the bottom of the tank didn't do anything. My gauge reads about half a tank (should be right based on my mileage). I changed the fuel filter last Spring. It also did this same thing during the last year, but it was no where near this bad (this many key turns). I think that's all the info I have right now, but I'll edit if I think of something else.

tomboy · #2 11-13-2014, 12:10 PM

I can never remember what you call the elec grease that goes into elec plugings is called, but have seen several trucks do the same thing as yours, and the plug in at the pump was dry of grease, and the prongs were corrored. Cleaning the contact areas worked.

AmericanPride! · #3 11-13-2014, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomboy

I can never remember what you call the elec grease that goes into elec plugings is called, but have seen several trucks do the same thing as yours, and the plug in at the pump was dry of grease, and the prongs were corrored. Cleaning the contact areas worked.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicone_grease

lone-ranger · #4 11-13-2014, 05:58 PM

Alright. I'll give that a try. I was hoping for something that wouldn't involve moving the bed haha

lone-ranger · #5 11-17-2014, 07:03 PM

Ended up switching the relay with the horn one and that seemed to fix the problem (knock on wood). I heard the relays click under the hood so I never switched them until tonight. Just for anyone who might have been looking for my answer.

lone-ranger · #6 11-18-2014, 06:35 PM

Nope. Did the same thing today with the relay switched. More ideas?

TxGasRacer · #7 11-18-2014, 08:47 PM

I was having the same exact problems for about six months,but when it started and ran it ran great with No problems,but a lot of mornings it would just turn over and turn over never even trying to kick off.I could spray starting fluid into the throtle body hose and it would start right up and run great.I chased my tail for six months like I said finaly just gave up and bought a new fuel pump from rock auto.com and changed it out.My truck has never run and started so good.Just do it you will be glad you did.