Fuel pump question???

[config]

This afternoon I was having problems starting my Explorer. This has been happening off and on but this afternoon was the worst one yet. It cranks and cranks but refuses to start. It finally started after I made the call to AAA to have it towed after about 30 min. of trying.
Anyways, what I noticed is that I couldn't hear the fuel pump activate once I turned on the ignition. Am I correct that it is the fuel pump I hear once I turn the ignition to 'ON'? SHould I go ahead and replace the fuel pump or can it be something else?
I want to resolve this before I get stranded.

 

[guggy]

if your fuel system is pressureized than the pump won't come on if you have been turning the ign. on and off many times in a row. When is the last time you Changed your fuel filter ? That's what i would start with , also mabey wour plugs are possibly worn and you have have a weak spark making it harder to start . Just my two cents. I used to work for a dealer and Specialized in tune-ups and no-starts. Oh yah mabey plug wires if there old as well ... Hope this helps ... ciao

 

[Houston at NCSU]

Check the fuel pump and ecm relay, see the other recent post about starting problems, i have had this problem, and it was just the relay, and would start one time, and not the next, totally unpredictable.

 

[Houston at NCSU]

Man school has been kicking my tail all over the place, and then there is the job. However, im quitting the job, and i have a little more free time, i have missed reading and posting. However, i am putting my new head unit in tomorrow, and the new sway bar project is looming ahead, so i am back. Thanks for your interest!

 

[config]

Thanks for all the replies! I'll check the relay first. Another question though, anyone know where I can find this fuel pump relay? It's pretty crammed under the hood. I don't know what I'm looking for. THanks again.

 

[config]

Well, I opened up the relay and cleaned the contacts. Let's see if the problem still occurs. Thanks again. This site is priceless!

 

[config]

Well, it did it again! I guess it's not the relay. I also took off the Superchip to see if it was that so it must be the fuel pump. I had to have the vehicle towed to the dealer. Let's see what they say and how much they charge me. URRGGG!