96 Explorer won't turn over/ignite

[daxb]

What I mean is that it's trying to crank but it won't actually turn over start (ignite?). It's not the battery, it isn't a clicking issue. This happened out of the blue yesterday and now it's sitting at some random garage.

Mechanic thinks it's the fuel pump. From my research it seems that I need to ask if a) he can hear the fuel pump priming when the ignition is in the on position and b) if he has checked the relays. Any other thoughts? SHould I mention the spraying the ignition fluid down the starter? And if that works then it's the pump?

He's getting me a price but thinks maybe around $400? He says it's because to get to the pump he has to drop the tank on the 96. Does this sound right?

This is terrible. My truck is about 20 miles from where I live so I can't even shop around without incurring towing costs.

Does $400 sound like I am getting hosed?

Thanks so much in advance, this is kind of an emergency since I'm carless and at the mercy of the garage.

thanks,

Dax

 

[daxb]

Autozone lists a master fuel pump at $120 (also one for $140). Since the pump is apparently located inside the tanke (according to autozone), how many hours would it take to take off, replace pump, and remount the tank? Thanks!

 

[daxb]

Hmm, reading up, it sounds like I should:

1) get mechanic to verify spark

2) If there is spark, then maybe test voltage on alternator to verify it's charging?

3) Fuel

a) Get mechanic to spray starting fluid down the throttle body and have someone else start. If it starts, it's definitely fuel related.

b) if fuel related, first get him to turn ignition to on position to listen for the fuel pump priming. If he doesn't hear it, then is the pump definitely dead?

c) I also should get him to check the fuel relay and fuel pressure regulator?

d) What are EFI fuses? Apparently he should be checking those too?

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I had a Fuel pump problem, but it started and shut off immediately. It ran a little less than the 400, but not much. The tank DOES need to be removed.

Take into account amount of time you're paying to: cyphon most of the gas out of the tank (1/2 hour), drop the tank (3/4 hour), replace the unit (1 hour), replace the tank (3/4 hour), etc. Add the cost of the pump/sending unit and there u go.

 

[daxb]

Total is $485. He is charging me $263 for the pump, which seems like a lot considering the autozone one was $140 tops. 2.5 hours of labor. He had already tried all of the above recommendations, including the starter fluid. Crap. Thanks Buffalo.

 

[410Fortune]

first you have to verify power to the pump, meaning test the power at the fuse and relay. Ford underhood power dist boxes are notorious for having the fuel pump fuse or relay come loose or go bad....this is a $5 fix instead of $400.

A shop will charge you $400 to replace the pump, thats the going rate.
I will tell you with hand tools and 1/2 tank of gas the entire proceedure takes about an hour.

I would stay far far away from an Autozone fuel pump, Ford only since you dont want to drop the tnak twice.

Also before diagnosing the pump as the problem like I said the power should be tested at the fuse, relay, inertia switch, then the pump, then the fuel pressure should be tested at the fuel rail, then you can make the assumption it is in fact a bad pump.

 

[BuffaloXplorer]

I thought the same thing...the autozone unit is the pump only and does not include the sending unit (?), which is generally needed...call around for prices for the FP with sending unit...

www.FordPartsNetwork.com $223.93

 

[daxb]

Thanks for the suggestion 410, I just called the guy who incidentally is pretty cool. He says that's one of the first things he tried also. He said once the relay clicks on, he knows it's probably going to be the pump. Apparently (no idea if it's true), he has an explorer as well and is aware of this problem. He sounds legit, guess I need to just suck it up.

 

[410Fortune]

or if you have some wrenches do the job yourself and save $250
Now is the perfect time for a new fuel filter since you will have the fuel system de-pressurized.

 

[daxb]

He is putting in a new filter while he's at it. $20 included.

It's 20 miles away from me, I don't have a rental, it's 30 degrees outside and I don't have a garage or even a driveway (apartment living in Boston). I'd love to save the cash but this is a battle I don't think I'll win.

 

[410Fortune]

I understand that man for sure
get a warranty on the pump and labor