I recently bought a 2001 Ford Taurus and noticed on the carfax that in 1/2011 the fuel filter and fuel pump was replaced. Then 2/24/2011 the fuel pump was replaced again. I bought the car with 130,000 miles. I drove it for 2 weeks and i began having problems with restarting the vehicle after I had driven it long enough (20-30 miles to and from work) to heat things up. If I try to start the car 5 minutes after turning it off, it will idle sporadically and eventually die, especially if I shift it into gear. But, once the care sits for 20-30 minutes to cool down, it will start right back up. I took it to a respected garage straight from work yesterday because I new it wouldn’t start immediately once I turned it off and that would allow them to diagnose the problem. Sure enough, the mechanic ran a pressure test on the fuel pump and said it registered 15psi (not enough to start the vehicle). The mechanic also stated the fuel pump is getting power. What are the advantages/disadvantages of replacing the fuel pump with one from Autozone/NAPA as opposed to using the Ford part? I have been told to those I know NOT to use an aftermarket fuel pump and pay the extra for the FORD part. I have also noticed that I don’t think I am getting the proper amount of mileage on a full tank of gas according to my fuel gage. It doesn’t seem to be a dramatic issue and when I fill it up it does seem to register ‘full’ but it seems to me like it goes thru gas quicker than an 18 gallon tank should. Can anyone help me with their own personal experiences or anyone with a 2001 Taurus?
Assuming your problem was diagnosed correctly, yes, I would use a genuine Ford part
Best to replace the fuel sender module assembly. That way, you get the pump, sock, and the sender
This is roughly what it would look like.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=383213&cc=
One important question
Is this vehicle flexible fuel?
No, it is not flex fuel
Thanks for the feedback db4690
If it has not been done already, change the fuel filter also. Even if it has, I would put a new one in with the new fuel pump. A plugged filter will weaken a fuel pump in short order.
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=488986&cc=1372744
So they replaced both the pump and filter, and a month later they replaced ONLY the pump. I hope they at least checked the filter for flow on that second replacement. I’d start by checking and/or replacing the filter. It’s an easy job. If that doesn’t fix it, get a Ford pump/gauge assembly installed. It’s not an easy job. The pump is inside the gas tank which has to be dropped. Not the smartest design, but most cars are that way these days.
With not knowing the maintenance history on the vehicle I’d highly (like the rest above me) checking and replacing the filter when doing a pump replacement. As for the brand of pump in my experience do some research on the different brands your local stores offer, if you do not like what you read pay the extra for a Ford pump, I replaced the fuel pump in my 98’ Escort with an Airtex and have not had any issues so far.
Why did you ask if it was flex fuel? What if it was flex fuel? I have a flex fuel Taurus can you explain the difference? Thanks
Okay, bear with me
Flexible fuel systems are far more robust, because E85 is extremely corrosive
Flexible fuel systems have additional sensors to measure the alcohol content, so that the PCM can make the appropriate adjustments
The components (pump, hoses, lines, injectors, etc.) are not the same as for regular fuel, and may be more expensive.
Diagnosing fuel gauge complaints on flex fuel Ford Tauruses is more complicated, because there is a sensor in-line between the sending unit and the gauge (at least on the older ones). The sensor “modifies” the signal. If you don’t have a wiring diagram and take this into account, you will most likely misdiagnose the problem. The sensor happens to be located behind the radio on some models.
So, to sum it up, if you have any fuel related problems with your flex fuel Ford, it could be more expensive to diagnose and repair.