Replacement fuel pump - X reg fiesta?

katebl

Hi all, looking for some advice - we have a 2000 X reg Fiesta 1.25 which has cut out a couple of times (currently left at the petrol garage near work as it did it thsi morning!) after the engine has been switched off and then trying to start it again - it ticks over but won't start. A couple of people have suggested it could be to do with the fuel pump, and the garage I usually use suspect it is too but can't look at it till Monday - has anyone any idea how much this costs to get fixed, worst case scenario? As the car's not worth anything I'm not sure whether it's worth spending the money on if it's an expensive job and was looking for some opinions? Any advice appreciated.:beer:

NickWarren_2

When you say ticking over I'm asssuming that you mean that the starter is cranking etc, It just isn't going the full way and starting.

As well as the fuel pump it could be something much simpler and easier like a blocked fuel filter. Do you often run the car low on petrol, I.E Below 1/4 of a tank?

katebl

Thanks Nick, that's exactly what I meant, it makes the right noises and then nothing. I'm ashamed to admit we probably do run it low on petrol as it hardly gets used beyond the short journey to work and back, it's our 'spare' car but I don't really want to replace it if I don't have to (OH would disagree with me!). The only thing that worried me was if I put a full tank in and then it died altogether as the petrol would probably be worth more than the car! The garage said take it in with a near empty tank - not sure if that gives an indication of what they suspect?

mcjordi

have you tried bump starting it?
also is the battery fully charged ?

NickWarren_2

It could still be the fuel pump, But lets hope not. When you run the tank low you run the risk of pulling all the grit and dirt from the bottom of your tank through the lines and thus clogging the filter. Friends of mine have always suggested half a tank as a minimum for them, although you can obviously go less occasionally, But most will be preference. I take it that you checked the fusebox to make sure the fuel pump fuse is still good?

Regarding the garage wanting the tank low to empty, This is because the pump is in the tank itself.

katebl

Thanks to both of you, I haven't checked anything out as I was running late from work so literally rang the OH to come and get me and left it at the petrol garage (we work together and the garge is 2mins from work). Mcjordi, I don't think it's the battery as it got the 5miles to the garage and is used (albeit for short journeys) 5 days a week - correct me if that's not relevant? Nickwarren - you say "hopefully not" the fuel pump, is it a costly job then?

I should add my practical knowledge of cars is extremely limited - sorry!

vaio

NickWarren wrote: »

.......When you run the tank low you run the risk of pulling all the grit and dirt from the bottom of your tank through the lines........

I’ve never been quite sure about this……..

Fuel suction point is always at the low point of the tank so I can’t really see why whether having 1, 6 or 12 inches of fuel above the suction point affects the amount of rubbish that gets sucked up.

delambo

Dont get too carried away with the fuel pump, it could be absolutely anything from a loose connection to an ECU fault and anything else in between. If I was a betting I would put my money on the crankshaft sensor or a fuel pump based on the fact that around 60% of Ford cut outs are these parts, but like I say it could be anything! Really your best bet is to get it looked at by a garage.

katebl

Have just been and picked it up, put some petrol in it, and it was fine! If it wasn't for the fact it's the 3rd time it's happened I wouldn't even worry but won't take the risk of it happening again. Thanks all

Anihilator

I hope you told the garage and got permission or the fuel pump might not be a problem.

katebl

I'm sorry, permission for what from the garage?

Lightbulb moment - if you mean permission to leave it there, yes I went it and told them straight away and they were fine about it!