2000 3.0 fuel injection question

[wileyz62]

I recently ran into a problem that resulted in the truck being towed.I had been driving for an hour, a full tank of fuelat 55-60 mph.The truck first bucked, I took it off cruise and drove on for a few more minutes. The bucking became more frequent and finally led to a complete loss of power.My first guess was a fuel pump problem. I turned the ignition off then back on and could hear the fuel pump.I checked and traded the fuel pump relay for another of the same type.Still a no-start.opened the fuel cap possibly for vapor lock.I did have my scan tool with me and retreived a lean condition bank 1 and 2 then cleared the codes. I pushed in the schraeder valve where there was fuel present and seemed to have pressure.It would not start so was taken to a repair center where it started right up the next morning and ran without as much as a miss for off and on 4 hours.No codes re-appeared for the repair center.My question is: If the fuel pump was at fault would there be any pressure at the schraeder valve?? It is almost leading me to think intermittent coil failure.

 

[pjtoledo]

a failing flex fuel module can cause the same symptoms, they usually throw a code.


pertaining to pressure, 20 psi will squirt out plenty of fuel, but it won't run the engine.

 

[wileyz62]

20 psi

a failing flex fuel module can cause the same symptoms, they usually throw a code.


pertaining to pressure, 20 psi will squirt out plenty of fuel, but it won't run the engine.

Thank you PJ. Yep,,20 is about all that was there.It didnt spray radically but was just there. I have had a flex fuel code for quite some time,,that module is hard to troubleshoot.I had a simulator installed that cleared it but the simulator finally shorted out.I am back to the factory module.Maybe its time for another simulator.

 

[fastpakr]

Why are you using something to suppress a code?

 

[adsm08]

Why are you using something to suppress a code?

The flex fuel simulators are a cheap fix for a very expensive, fairly unreliable failed FF sensor. They plug in the same, but instead of measuring the alcohol content they just send a constant signal that lets the computer make adjustments so the engine can run on up to E10 without problems. It gets the CEL off and lets the engine run well, and doesn't cost an arm and both legs to buy.

It's actually a pretty common thing to do, especially in areas where E85 isn't commonly available.

 

[fastpakr]

Interesting. That's a new one one me. Where does the sensor actually plug in?

 

[adsm08]

Interesting. That's a new one one me. Where does the sensor actually plug in?

I'm not 100% sure of the actual location, as I never had to replace one. I know the sensor is in the fuel line somewhere, I think the location was similar to where the fuel filter was on the 1st gen trucks.

 

[RonD]

Yes, by the fuel filter, in the frame rail under drivers seat area

I think these sensors measure capacitance of the fuel, capacitance goes up as ethanol content goes up
So the Flex Fuel by pass is basically a capacitor value for 10% ethanol content

 

[pjtoledo]

the FF sensors put out a digital square wave whose frequency varies with alcohol content.
in the past I put an ocilloscope on mine to check the frequency.
more recently I was also able to monitor it with Forscan.

the replicators mount right next to the FF sensor to plug into the harness. wrap 'em up real good to keep them protected.

I'm on my second replicator, first lasted about 8 years.
they do put out a fixed signal, cannot use E85 anymore.

fyi, Taurus from the same years use the same FF sensor.

 

[pjtoledo]

Why are you using something to suppress a code?

its not to suppress a code. when the FF sensor fails the truck runs like crap or doesn't run at all.
when my first one failed it told the PCM to pump in so much fuel the exhaust looked like a '50s era diesel,,,until it died 2 miles later.

 

[wileyz62]

Even the replicators are getting pricey.Does anyone want to go into business manufacturing these? Anyhow,,wanted to share some info. The 2000 ranger does not have a fuel pump driver module. I am searching out what actually regulates the pressure.Was told at the parts store that it was built into the pump unit.I want to be sure.Does anyone know this for sure?

 

[adsm08]

Not part of the pump. It is a function of the fuel filter. You should have a 3-port fuel filter.

Three port filters, are used in mechanical "returnless" fuel systems. They have a little pressure valve inside that starts returning fuel to the tank through the smaller rear-facing port once pressure in the forward section gets to a certain point.

So your fuel filter is your pressure regulator.

 

[fastpakr]

My '99 returnless system definitely doesn't have a 3 port filter. The pump assembly has a pressure line going to the filter and a vent line back from the EVAP system. The regulator is mounted to the pump assembly.

 

[adsm08]

My '99 returnless system definitely doesn't have a 3 port filter. The pump assembly has a pressure line going to the filter and a vent line back from the EVAP system. The regulator is mounted to the pump assembly.

It may have been a split year then. Rockauto has a listing for 2 and 3 port filters for the OP's year and engine.