1997 Ford Thunderbird fuel pump

DANIELJOHN

MEMBER
1997 FORD THUNDERBIRD
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
82,000 MILES

When you turn the key 'on' you can feel and hear the fuel pump running. It won't start until the pump stops. Now the pump keeps running and running. If and when it starts, initially it seems starved for fuel. After awhile it runs okay. Also, the radiator/condensor fan runs when key is 'on, ' also stops with pump.

Saturday, October 3rd, 2009 AT 9:38 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

First, I need you to check the fuel pump pressure. It may be a plugged fuel filter or bad pump causing the problem.

Here is a how to for checking the pump pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

Next, the fan and pump are not tied together, but they both have their own seperate relay in the relay box. Check the wiring there to make sure nothing is shorting out.

Let me know what you find.

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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 1:43 AM

DANIELJOHN

MEMBER
2 POSTS

The pressure test says 40 psi with key 'on.' The car won't start until the pump shuts off. The pump won't shut off. What tells it to stop? Can it be the idle air control? It sounds like it's running also.

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Sunday, October 4th, 2009 AT 1:30 PM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,814 POSTS

Hi danieljohn,

The fuel pressure is correct.

Fuel pump relay is controlled by the PCM and fuel pump not stopping at ignition on could mean a faulty PCM.

Get a scan done to see if you could retrieve any trouble codes

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Thursday, October 8th, 2009 AT 10:08 AM