Car not starting ....

[DarthVader215]

For the last couple of cold nights here in Philadelphia , my car took a couple of cranks to start up. This is the third time this has happened , but usually it cranks after the 3rd try. Tonight I went to warm the car up and it didn't start. I noticed the LOW FUEL lamp was illuminated , and when I turn the ignition on the fuel pump didnt buzz. Ive checked the fuse and it was fine. So im guessing its the fuel pump , because the fuse was good , an I only went over a speed bump an that shouldn't trigger the safety fuel cut off thing right ? If anyone has any advice please let me know. What also sucks is I have a full tank of gas . Smh .

[Vortech347]

The pump won't buzz every time. If the system gets pressure it doesn't activate the pump.

Check for pressure at the rail. This will tell you if its the pump or not.

Does the car crank strongly? Aren't you guys getting nailed with nasty cold weather right now?

[DarthVader215]

Yeah its still cranks strong . Also it ran fine hours ago , an yeah were getting more snow real soon so I gotta hurry and fix it.

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[DarthVader215]

If it jumped time I would've been able to tell right ?

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[Marauderjack]

If it jumped time I would've been able to tell right ?

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How can one "jump time"?? Please explain??:eek::shake:

Did you enter a driveway briskly enough to activate the fuel pump shutoff??:confused:

If so.....reset with the red button in the trunk!!:beer: If not.....probably the fuel pump!!:(

Good Luck!!

[DarthVader215]

Jumped time as in a loose tensioner , timing belt could have been loose .

[martyo]

Jumped time as in a loose tensioner , timing belt could have been loose .

No belts. Chains.

[DarthVader215]

Yes I know maybe the CHAINS were loose . Smh

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[Marauderjack]

If they were loose enough to skip teeth on the sprockets you'd have more problems than just not starting!!:bigcry:

[fastblackmerc]

The chains just don't become loose, you would have had some advance notice like noise.

You need to check if you have spark and fuel.

[ctrlraven]

Yes I know maybe the CHAINS were loose . Smh

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If a chain "jumped timing" it would start and run like garbage or destroy something. If it's not turning over after cranking then it very well could be a fuel or spark issue.

When is the last time you replaced the fuel filter or if you know when it was last changed? Did you recently fill-up with fuel?

[DarthVader215]

Thanks for the HELPFUL response on fixing my car .. smh

I replaced the fuel filter and the plugs at 100, 000 miles , the car has 140 now . I filled it up on Wednesday.

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[ctrlraven]

Thanks for the HELPFUL response on fixing my car .. smh

I replaced the fuel filter and the plugs at 100, 000 miles , the car has 140 now . I filled it up on Wednesday.

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The fuel filter should be replaced every 12 months/12k miles. It could be clogged up or something related to the cold.

[DarthVader215]

Ok ill change the filter too , someone said the pump may be frozen , didn't think it was possible.

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[fastblackmerc]

Ok ill change the filter too , someone said the pump may be frozen , didn't think it was possible.

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Fuel or oil pump?

Neither will freeze unless you have water in the oil or gas tank. If you do, you have bigger problems.

[hharris17]

turn the key on and see what lights are on on the dash. i had a security issue with a chevy and it acted like it wanted to start but just wouldn't catch up. there's a security light on the dash. make sure its not on when the key is in the run position but your not trying to start the car.
also, the fuel pump will only run when the engine is running or you are trying to start the car. the computer will shut it down within a few seconds if the key is on and the engine not running but you can hear it buzz in those few seconds if you turn the key off/on a few times. the only way to know for sure is to attach a fuel pressure gauge to the rail and try to start it.
you might also try pulling the codes from the computer if you have a tool for that, just to be sure it's not something more serious.

[whitey]

I recall a similar post, and the issue was the air intake elbow came off the throttle body.

[MERCMAN]

I recall a similar post, and the issue was the air intake elbow came off the throttle body.

EXACTLY!! That happened to me after wiping the air intake down for a car show. It was maddening until I calmed down and checked it. I doubt if this is the problem in this case, but any port in a storm!

[DarthVader215]

Fuse is good relay is good but the Fuel pump is not Buzzing. If the pump is shot do I have to drop the tank ? Of course I just filled it up.

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[whitey]

Pull fuel line off of filter, engine side, and have someone crank the engine, if your pump is bad or filter is clogged you wont get gas everywhere.

[DarthVader215]

Problem solved , it was a bad Fuel Pump Driver Module located underneath the fuel safety switch in the trunk . Thanks for the help .

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[IwantmyMMnow!]

How was this discovered and fixed? Details man, details! Thanks...

[DarthVader215]

I found a post from 2008 and they were having the same issues . 3729037292

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[vegasmarauder]

I wuld add for future reference that using a test lamp on Pin #10 to ground should light for about 2-5 seconds with key on, engine off. If not, then it almost always is the FPM or wiring. Had same issue on an 03 MM. I guess the solder joints in the module are the same as the radio. I wonder if FastBlackMerc has tried to fix one of those?

[lji372]

Great job. Glad your back on the road!

I love this bar :beer: