fuel pump relay poor contacts

[jessesan]

My 98 4.0 SOHC was cranking but wouldn't start. The fuel pump didn't run for 2 seconds when key turned to on. I swapped the fuel pump relay with the horn relay and it started fine. Returned the relays to the original places and still started ok.
Has anyone had a similar thing happen ?
Is there a known problem with the relays or issues with poor connections due to oxidation ?
Thanks, Todd H.

 

[koda2000]

I've heard of this happening, but I won't go as far as to call it a common problem.

Common 2nd gen problems include:

Mach radio display fades/out
Rusted rear spring shackles
SOHC timing chain problems
SOHC intake manifold vacuum leaks
SOHC thermostat housing cracks/leaks
V8 CPS squeaks
V8 P/S exhaust manifold cracks
Broken front sway-bar end links
Power window/lock problems
Overhead compass/temp display out
Multi functions switch problems
Rear wiper doesn't contact the glass during the center of its sweep


I'm sure I can think of a dozen more if I try. Most are easily corrected.

 

[Turdle]

Yep. My '98 Mounty had issues with the Fuel pump Relay and PCM relay sockets.

My fix that actually worked was to slightly, and I mean very slightly, twist the prongs of the relays so they bite into the socket lug connectors better.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

My 98 4.0 SOHC was cranking but wouldn't start. The fuel pump didn't run for 2 seconds when key turned to on. I swapped the fuel pump relay with the horn relay and it started fine. Returned the relays to the original places and still started ok.
Has anyone had a similar thing happen ?
Is there a known problem with the relays or issues with poor connections due to oxidation ?
Thanks, Todd H.

How many miles are on the vehicle?
Even though the trouble seems to be in the relay, it still
could be worn brushes in the fuel pump itself...

 

[jessesan]

Thanks for the replies.
Its been 2 weeks now and no problems. So far, the problem isn't intermittent. It failed the same way for my mom, the AAA man and for me...
It would crank fine but no start. Fuel pump not running for 2 seconds when key turned to on.
I swapped the fuel relay with the horn relay and it started immediately and hasn't failed again.
I put a new relay in the fuel slot anyway as well as clean the socket contacts.
Thanks Turdle, I'll double check socket contacts at the "fuse/power box".
Thanks R'onE. It's a 1998 with 210k miles. It is my mom's car and was kept over-maintained by my dad for years. Unfortunately, it is only driven once or twice a week. In my experience, problems turn up in older cars when they sit too much.
Thanks, Todd H.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Sounds like the new relay fixed it. Good job.

I mentioned the fuel pump brushes because of a fuel
pump failure on a Ranger last winter. It had the same
symptoms as yours, and after changing the relay and inertia switch, finally installed a new fuel pump to fix it.

.......My fix that actually worked was to slightly, and I mean very slightly, twist the prongs of the relays so they bite into the socket lug connectors better.

Good tip.

 

[97tightywhitey]

Sounds like the new relay fixed it. Good job.

I mentioned the fuel pump brushes because of a fuel
pump failure on a Ranger last winter. It had the same
symptoms as yours, and after changing the relay and inertia switch, finally installed a new fuel pump to fix it.


Good tip.

Mine was doing the same thingBut had a rough idle in a rough take off also. But when I smacked the relay box under the hood It would pick up idle and smooth right out...To my thought was also connections on the relays

 

[4Stan]

My 98 4.0 SOHC was cranking but wouldn't start. The fuel pump didn't run for 2 seconds when key turned to on. I swapped the fuel pump relay with the horn relay and it started fine. Returned the relays to the original places and still started ok.
Has anyone had a similar thing happen ?
Is there a known problem with the relays or issues with poor connections due to oxidation ?
Thanks, Todd H.

have a 95 Explorer that wont start either one poss cause would be a security shut down vehicle disabled do to a security issue still looking into / is a possibillity

 

[J_C]

^ If it's the PATS2 security system, the theft light on the dash will blink rapidly when you try to start it, if that is the problem.