Which Fuel Pump to Get?

RealestWhiteBoy · #1 10-04-2012, 01:07 PM

I have a 2006 Ranger XLT 4-door 2WD 3.0 with 153,000+ miles on it. For monthes, my truck has not started on first try. If I turn the key halfway, let it set for a count of 10, turn off and instantly back on, let it set for a count of 10, repeat 6-8 times, then it starts fine. If not, then it will always take 10 seconds of grinding to turn over. It was suggested to me to do the key thing to "prime the lines" with fuel, and that my fuel pump is probably bad.

My engine light comes on from time to time, and if I let it idle with a hot engine (after 20+ minutes of driving), then the engine light starts flashing. Anytime I take it to get the codes checked, it gives a code that could be a few things: low fuel pressure, misfire cylinder 4, or injured fuel injecter.

Anyone, does these 2 things mean I need a fuel pump? And if so, then which setup do I need?

AutoZone has this for about $125:

Or this for about $250-300:

Do I need the more expensive one? Or is it just a markup that looks fancier?

FYI: I have changed my fuel filter before at about 100,000, I didn't have these problems at that time, so I didn't think it would be my filter.

mopar9012 · #2 10-04-2012, 01:11 PM

have your fuel pressure checked.

RealestWhiteBoy · #3 10-04-2012, 01:29 PM

Alright. If the pressure is indeed low, then what will that indicate? The pump is bad? Or there may be a cheaper fix to try first?

I know the guy at Auto Zone said that when the engine light flashes on a hot idle, he usually suggest to replace the ignition coil, which is about $75. Something I don't want to drop on an cashier's hunch and it be wrong. haha

My wires and plugs are brand new, fuel filter less than a year old.

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I've been told that if your fuel pump is out, then your vehicle will die while driving it or that it will make a loud screaming noise when starting, and my truck does neither of these things.

It only has trouble starting when the engine is cold and idling when the engine is hot. If I just start it up and let it grind (rather than turning the key back and forth for a couple minutes) then the engine light will come on and then go back off after a couple days.

mopar9012 · #4 10-04-2012, 01:48 PM

ive heard that about the fuel pump as well. they say when they go out, they go out. But ive never had one go out.

As far as the ignition coil, Ive had to replace mine. Really I would buy one, keep the reciept and try it out. If it doesnt work, put the old one back. I highly doubt the cashier will be able to tell if you even put it on. I know I wouldnt be able to tell. Obviously dont test drive the truck in mud. lol

geezmo2001 · #5 10-07-2012, 12:01 PM

Definitely sounds like the fuel pump is junk. I had to do the same thing to get mine to start prior to installing a new pump. To the best of my knowledge you will need the more expensive of the two units.

TRWXXA · #6 10-07-2012, 12:31 PM

And just how do fuel pump issues belong in "interior tech"?

fenderpicks · #7 10-07-2012, 12:54 PM

I had the same problem as you described a couple months back.
I originally had the stock pump which the fuel sending unit was not working, (The fuel guage is not reading)

I changed it to a airtex, worked for a week then the 2nd week i was having the same problem as you described. i would hit the bottom of the fuel tank and it would start.

So then i returned the airtex and got a motorcraft.
And is been working ever since