Engine cranks, just does not start?

Tiny
CHEVY__88
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 LINCOLN TOWN CAR
  • V8
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
Engine cranks, just does not start. Had some coil issues that I worked on last week. It was jumping around forty mph when you tried to gas it. I parked it and now it will not start. Seems like it is not getting fuel? So I started small and changed the fuel filter and it was pretty clogged. Maybe the fuel pump? Or the relay?
Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 3:44 PM

38 Replies

Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
  • 1,853 POSTS
Listen if the fuel pump runs (hums) for the first two seconds after you first turn the key to run, before you turn the key to start.
Let me know if you do not hear the fuel pump run.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:40 PM
Tiny
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The fuse and relay are both in the battery junction block. Below is that wiring diagram.
If the fuel pump does not run, put your finger tips on that fuel pump relay and feel if it clicks or not when someone else turns the key to run.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:43 PM
Tiny
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I see this also has an inertia shut off switch so make sure it is not tripped.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
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Well I just now replaced the filter and the relay. I took off the incoming hose to the filter and had someone try to start the car and no fuel was coming out. I do not think I have ever heard the pump before. But, no I cannot hear anything.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:44 PM
Tiny
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I have checked that as well and the button is pushed in.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:45 PM
Tiny
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Also, that fuel pump relay gets its power on the other side from the PCM power relay. So check those fuses too and if that relay clicks or not. It is in the same wiring diagram and A from the PCM relay goes into B of the fuel pump relay.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:47 PM
Tiny
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Yes, I felt them click when the key was switched.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
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Try a new fuel pump relay. Or better yet swap one into that spot from something that is not important, like a horn relay, etc. Did you check that number 22 fuse yet though?
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 5:13 PM
Tiny
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If you did check that number 22 fuse and it is okay, make sure the power is reaching the fuel pump relay, so remove the relay and test those spots in the empty fuel pump relay socket. One spot should be hot all the time, that comes from that number 22 fuse. If it is hot, try a swap or new relay.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 5:15 PM
Tiny
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I bought a brand new relay earlier today.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 5:24 PM
Tiny
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AC or DC volt?
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 5:30 PM
Tiny
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I have a fluke volt meter.
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Saturday, November 4th, 2017 AT 5:32 PM
Tiny
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DC volts.
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 4:13 AM
Tiny
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Is it possible to siphon out the gas out of the tank? Since it is a newer model? I had filled it up last week when it quit running or did I just waste a full tank of gas?
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 6:10 AM
Tiny
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I have also heard you could loosen the exhaust pipes to get to the fuel pump? Or do I have to drop the whole tank?
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 6:12 AM
Tiny
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You should still be able to siphon out the gas as long as whatever you stick in there is thin enough to get past the flap or hole in the gas tank filler neck, but why are you assuming you need to replace the fuel pump already? Did you confirm yet that the fuel pump is getting voltage and a ground?
Did you check that fuse number 22 yet?
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 8:06 AM
Tiny
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So one lead goes into one of the slots and the other lead on the negative post on the battery? Or both leads in the slots after I take the relay out? Not very savvy on car electrical stuff.
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 8:29 AM
Tiny
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Fuse 22 is good.
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
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When using a voltmeter or twelve volt test light you want to use a metal ground for the ground test lead, or if it will reach, back to the negative battery post. Then use the positive test lead to test whatever you want to test for power/voltage.
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+1
Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 9:26 AM
Tiny
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And test every slot?
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Sunday, November 5th, 2017 AT 9:53 AM

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