Car won't start issue

[Mr. Man]

04 MM is not starting after sitting since early Fall of last year, ran fine when it was parked. Cranks, oil pressure builds with foot on the gas to the floor. Just read a thread about the Schroeder valve on the FPR so I will go see if that sprays, and while poking around in that general area I'll look to make sure the wiring harness is not damaged.

Does the key need to be on to see if there is pressure at the rail, or can I crank it a few seconds and hop out and test it? Just need to see if I need two peeps. I did hear the fuel pump when I first tried to start it. I checked the fuses which look good and I pulled and cleaned the relays as best I could.

There is no gas poring out the tail pipe after cranking it for a bit so I think the FPRS is OK, this based on what happened to another members car years ago in NH.

Anything else I can check in my driveway? I have limited tools and a bad back so if it's a filter or something else hard to get to it will need to be transported to a garage.

Thanks for your help :)

[fastblackmerc]

Pressure will hold in the system for awhile after cranking.

[Mr. Man]

Pressure will hold in the system for awhile after cranking.
OK, good to know :)

[Mr. Man]

Went out to check for spray and there was nothing. Also noted that the quick buzzz wasn't evident so thinking FP may be the problem. Before I commit to a new one are there any wires under the car that could be knocked loose from say a cat trying to stay dry in the rain? Picture of that area under the car would be helpful if anyone has one.

I know the pump is in the tank, can it be replaced from the trunk or is it a tank drop job?

[RF Overlord]

It's a tank-drop, Eric, but it doesn't have to come out entirely.

[Bluerauder]

04 MM is not starting after sitting since early Fall of last year, ran fine when it was parked. Cranks, oil pressure builds with foot on the gas to the floor. :)

Did you put some fuel stabilizer in the tank before it was parked in October ?? Could just be your fuel before you start looking at more complicated issues. That car doesn't seem to get much exercise, so the gas in it might be a year old or close to it.

[Spectragod]

If you don't hear your pump, check the inertia switch on the left side of the trunk, if it got bumped, it could have unlatched.

[Mr. Man]

If you don't hear your pump, check the inertia switch on the left side of the trunk, if it got bumped, it could have unlatched.
Is that the red push button fuel pump breaker thingy? I compared the position of it to my black car and they look to be in the same position. I also pushed on it and it doesn't seem to move or be spring loaded.

[Spectragod]

Is that the red push button fuel pump breaker thingy? I compared the position of it to my black car and they look to be in the same position. I also pushed on it and it doesn't seem to move or be spring loaded.

That's it, if it doesn't depress, there is probably no issue with it, short of the fuse or relay for the pump, it is probably the pump itself.

[Zack]

Pound the tank with a rubber mallet to get the pump working again.
Replace soon after

[Seneca]

Pound the tank with a rubber mallet to get the pump working again.
Replace soon after

Almost always works!!

[Mr. Man]

Pound the tank with a rubber mallet to get the pump working again.
Replace soon afterI'll give that a try. Is there a sweet spot?

[justbob]

There isn't a mouse condo in the intake is there? Seen that one before on a van we parked.


Builder Of Badassery

[Mr. Man]

I don't see any critter paraphernalia, just a few cobwebs and dust. I have a feeling the pump went poop after 117K. Remember this is Ms.D's car so every red light from mid 2003 til last year it's seen hard acceleration so the pump has seen its fair share of use. :burnout::lol:

Need to get her to a track to see if all that practice transfers. :)

[Badass_forever]

also foot to the floor turns off fuel, you should never have to touch a gas pedal when starting an EFI car, unless your iac is bad or a few other things for trouble shooting.

[Marylandrauder]

Had this happen to son's car-$263 at NAPPA.;)

[whitey]

Pound the tank with a rubber mallet to get the pump working again.
Replace soon after


Almost always works!!
Plus 3.....if its the fuel pump, ive heard of people hitting it to get it going again, only to fail again. Beat it, if it starts, 'beat it' to a repair shop.

[MERCULES]

also foot to the floor turns off fuel, you should never have to touch a gas pedal when starting an EFI car, unless your iac is bad or a few other things for trouble shooting.

Well I thought the same thing but recently I read on here that others recommend to hold the gas pedal to the floor if the car has been in storage for a long time. This will stop the car from starting and engine will prime with oil, then lift gas pedal and let it start.

So I guess my question is what is a good starting procedure if the car has been stored for 5 months? :confused:

[fastblackmerc]

Well I thought the same thing but recently I read on here that others recommend to hold the gas pedal to the floor if the car has been in storage for a long time. This will stop the car from starting and engine will prime with oil, then lift gas pedal and let it start.

So I guess my question is what is a good starting procedure if the car has been stored for 5 months? :confused:

Starting procedure.....

Sit in drivers seat
Insert key in ignition switch
Turn key towards front of car
Once you hear a revving noise release key

[lji372]

Starting procedure.....

Sit in drivers seat
Insert key in ignition switch
Turn key towards front of car
Once you hear a revving noise release key

Works for me every time.

Well.....except for that time I had a hole in my block :(

[Mr. Man]

Plus 3.....if its the fuel pump, ive heard of people hitting it to get it going again, only to fail again. Beat it, if it starts, 'beat it' to a repair shop.Sound advice :)

[Spectragod]

..........

[R. Jones]

I'll give that a try. Is there a sweet spot?You're making vibrations to loosen up the pump, so there's no wrong place to hit. Hitting closer to the fuel pump should do more good, but just tap all over.

When my fuel pump died: it was a gradual process. At first the car just seemed sluggish to accelerate. One night I had to be jumped off (no start) but the multimeter said my battery was dead, so I didn't think anything of it. Then it happened again with a fresh battery. Then I realized it was the fuel pump, because my car started to stumble going up inclines. If your fuel pump worked before being putting away, then some vibrations should totally shake it loose. Realistically: you could probably drive another thousand miles on the pump even once it begins to stick. Pratically: you could drive it to the parts store, mechanic, or dealership.

Good luck,
- Robert

[Bluerauder]

04 MM is not starting after sitting since early Fall of last year, ran fine when it was parked.

Did you ever get this problem sorted out ?? :dunno: If so, what was the issue ??

[Ms. Denmark]

Not yet, going to replace the fuel pump. Have been super busy with other stuff. Will bring Eric's car to Carlisle so no rush on mine.

[Motorhead350]

Poor fresh gas in it.

After 6 months these days, the liquids separate.

Also, on two occasions my fuel gage read wrong. Once it said 1/8th another time it said 1/4. I threw in a gallon and it started. Also have your wife be by the fuel pump relay and hear if it click when you try to start it.

My 93 E-250 would not start one day and it was the fuel pump relay. I swapped the one for the horn it and started right up. You should be fine.

[Mr. Man]

Well the SB finally passed emissions inspection:banana:, though it needs to go back through again in the Fall (Oct) as they only put a 2015 sticker on it:(, bastards:mad2:. The guy said if I had brought it in in August I could have gotten a 2017 sticker:confused:, so naturally I said 'Aug is next month why can't I get a 2017 sticker now'? He said "THE COMPUTER" won't let him:shake:, and thus proving my point COMPUTERS ARE EVIL:down:.

So off I went with the now legal car, down to the local burger joint for some burger digestibles. After having my fill I broke out the SCT and popped in the 3.55 tune from Marty at MO's. I didn't drive it long but the shift pattern is such a Godsend over the stock tune Mo's tune is worth it for that alone.

I let Ms. D write up her take on what she thinks after she gets a chance to put some miles under her derriere.

PS. put new wiper blades on it too.

[Ms. Denmark]

:bows: Woo-Hoo! My Hero!! Can't wait to get home and drive my car.

BTW....where's my burger?? :P

[Bluerauder]

....after she gets a chance to put some miles under her derriere.

Pics ^^^^^ or it didn't happen !!! ;) :rofl:

[RF Overlord]

Paula, you should know by now that when it comes to food, Eric doesn't share.

"MINE! Mine mine mine mine!"

[justbob]

:bows: Woo-Hoo! My Hero!! Can't wait to get home and drive my car.

BTW....where's my burger?? :P


Check his pockets. I bet he stashed 3 or 5 for a snack later. [emoji4]

I would. [emoji41]


Builder Of Badassery

[Mr. Man]

Check his pockets. I bet he stashed 3 or 5 for a snack later. [emoji4]

I would. [emoji41]


Builder Of BadasseryYou're insinuating there would be leftovers? We have met. ;)