Fuel Pump Issues

[madhatter999]

I have a '94 Explorer and a strange fuel pump problem. I got back in to crank it up and it just turned over. I then just turned the key to see if the pump was cutting on, it wasn't. After a few minutes I tried it again and I heard the pump cut on. I turned the ignition the rest of the way and the engine fired. I drove home and it was fine. A couple of days later it did it again..... any answers would be great. Thanks!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Check your fuel pump, and computer relays.

 

[mental_help]

welcome to the site

 

[Dopler174]

Welcome MAdHatter!

 

[MrShorty]

Intermittent electrical faults can be real bothersome. I used to have an intermittent stalling/no start that we tracked down to my wife's feet. When she'd stretch her legs, she'd press against the wire going to the inertia switch (under the carpet just to the right of the tranny hump) and temporarily break the connection.

I could see symptoms like yours coming from anywhere in the fuel pump circuit. And intermittents like that can be real frustrating to track down, because you have to be looking in the right spot when the fault occurs to find the problem. When I've dealt with similar issues, I would carry my voltmeter and wiring diagram around with me, and, when it acted up, I'd get right out and start poking around. Eventually I'd be able to locate the fault.

Another point to make, because the computer controls when the pump is on and off, a loose connection in the computer's power supply could also explain what you are seeing. When it won't start, does the CEL come on (indicating that the computer has power)? It's nice to know that you are troubleshooting the correct circuit.