Is A 94 xlt fuel pump working if

This forum is absolutely the best for us inquiring minds and i'm happy to have it available. My 94 x just died at intersection and sounded like it was robbed of fuel prior to dying. Fuel pump whines for couple seconds every time key is first turned on, just cranks but will not even try to start, there is no fuel (or pressure) released when depressing the little valve on the fuel rail. Just replaced pump and filter last year and regulator last month. Been there, done that, got the tee-shirt for the relay problems that seem to be a common issue w/x. It ran like a champ before stranding me at a major intersection. There are no codes set and resetting the computer has no effect. After cranking the engine many times, I remove the fuel cap and I hear not even the slightest pressure released.
Questions for the mechanical GOD:

If the pump was defective, would you hear the 2sec whine? I've heard that the (CPS) crank post. sensor will restrict fuel flow, would this explain no fuel getting to the engine? With the pump sounding as it should and no codes set, how can I be sure the problem is the pump? Any help out there would be appreciated. I have search this sight and found resolutions across the board for these symptoms. Is there anyone that may offer information targeting my specific problem?

Just went throught his myself recently - installed new fuel pump and everything about 2 years ago, when lately it started to randomly die on warmer days. Did the relays (nice line of t-shirts BTW) and such to no avail. Mine was different, as the 2 sec key-on would not work when it was dead. It would usually work 100% fine a few hours later. A PITA to troubleshoot!

First to check, would be by making a jumper from the self-check plug (firewall near the fusebox - the trapezoid-shaped connector). With key-on, jumper the outermost connection on the 'shorter stubby' end of the connector to ground, and see if the pump fires up. This bypasses all the relays and such. Next, take your multimeter, and check voltages along the pathway:
EEC Relay to FP Relay
FP Relay (where the two green wires come into the plug)
Inertia Switch (under the pass side carpet on the firewall - pull the plug and check voltages there)
Check for voltages at the plug near the tank (on the driver's side frame rail, near the spare tire - 4 prong plug with blk/org wire)
Check your ground - inner fenderwell on the driver's side, just aft of the coolant reservoir - i think the wire is orange

As I recall, the inital voltage supplied to it for the fist 2 seconds was 12+, then would drop to 6.86 or so. In my case, I went for broke and replaced the pump again as I could not find any electrical faults along the path. As it turned out, problem has since been solved.(I think that the reason for the early failure was because of running with my tank less than a quarter numerous times, probably causing the pump to slowly burn out as it could not dissipate the heat generated). At first, I didn't want to believe that the pump was the cause of the erratic behaviour, as I dislike dropping the tank and hate throwing parts at it. But, to my amazement, the new pump resolved all the issues and has been 100% since.

As for the CPS, I believe that controls spark/ignition off the crank. Some have had limited success by tapping it - a quick search may reveal some testing procedure you can try if all of the fuel checks out.

Good Luck!

Tom

That sounds like good information to know. The thing that puzzles me the most is I can hear the pump with key on and while cranking. I then opened the valve on the fuel rail and get nothing, not a drop of fuel, and no pressure. Would this be caused by a plugged fuel filter? There were no signs of failure prior to it dying.

Inquiring minds want to know

Has anyone checked if there is fuel in the gas tank?

Perhaps it could be the filter is plugged with debris (cheap $10 fix), or your Fuel Pressure Regulator has calved on you (not so cheap). If the pump is running, and there is nothing at the rail, I would try the filter first to rule out any blockages. Make sure you get the little plastic clip tools and a good pair of safety lenses before you unhook the filter, though! Check all of your lines to ensure nothing is pinched or damaged from the tank forward.

Tom

I disconnected the fuel filter completely and was able to blow through it with no problem. With the filter removed from the system, I cranked it over and nothing came out of the hose from the tank. Yes the tank is 3/4 full. All indications point to another defective pump at this point. Any comments?

Does an Explorer fuel pump have the little "rubber" hose between the pump and the top of the tank? I know some pumps have that, and that hose can "fail" which, of course, prevents the fuel the pump is pumping from getting out of the tank.

I should remember but I just can't recall. If that is true, what a cheap design...and the difficulty changing a pump. It's hard to believe three pumps in four years but it is most certainly pointing to just that. I will remember all the bugs along the way and think twice before buying a Ford ever again. Thanks to all who provided input!