Car just quit!

[split1atom]

As things usually go, I just got divorced, don't have 2 pennies to rub together and my perfectly running 2001 gran marque shut down on the way to lunch. It started right up and at the light it started to sputter like it was out of gas. Kept it running for a few and then it shut off. Put gas in it but no fire at all. Seemed like it barely tried in neutral but now nothing. Seemed as though when it was turning over there was a vibration to the engine that I don't think was there before. It's now on the side of the road. No money for anything so all input is welcome. Thanks in advance. Bob

[split1atom]

By the way, it's my 2001 gran marque and not the car in the signature.

[VicCrownVic]

I'm not too familiar with the newer cars but it looks like the fuel pump and hanger assembly are similar to the one on a 1991 Grand Marquis based on the picture for 2001 MGM fuel pump/hanger assembly picture from o'reilley's http://images.oreillyauto.com/parts/...12_p04_ang.jpg

It sounds like you could have a split fuel line inside the tank between the pump and the outlet tube on the hanger plate.
Check the fuel pressure, if you can hear the fuel pump turning on when you turn the key on but have no fuel pressure the line in the tank could be split.
I suppose another possibility is a clogged fuel filter but I would think that it would clog slowly over time.

EDIT: I added arrows pointing to the hose clamps at each end of the fuel line that I am referring to.

[split1atom]

Thanks Vic

[sly]

yeah... I'd check for fuel pressure. Get one of those screw-on pressure gauges that will fit to the fuel rail schrader valve. If it has a pressure hold function (you have to press a button to reset the gauge) then it's a one-man job. Key on... wait for the fuel pump to prime... then key off. Check the gauge. If it's not one with a reset button, get someone else to turn the key while you watch it. If you have pressure, the fuel pump isn't the issue. If you don't have pressure, make sure the fuel filter isn't clogged first. No use pulling the fuel pump if it's something else. If everything checks out and there's no fuel like leaks, and there's no pressure... bah... fuel pump. have fun draining the tank.

[Louis]

Yeah, unfortunately sounds like a fuel pump issue. You could try crawling under the car and tapping the top of the fuel pump, might be good for one more start. Also, the pump may have overheated, may start back up if let sit for awhile.

[Louis]

Just thought of something else, may want to check the fuel pump relay, its in the power distribution box under the hood.

[cld783]

Same thing happened to my 02. it was a dirty iac that let it fire then stall right away. Spray some carb cleaner in the tb while cranking (better if you remove iac to clean) and it might fix it.

If anything you'll know if it runs on cleaner and then quits its likely fuel related. Dont ever use the red straw unless you want it inside the intake!

[split1atom]

An update. Found an article that said if I turn the key on and the engine light comes on, good. If I turn the engine over and the light goes out, good. That meant the relay and ECM are ok. I got the car towed home and was able to check the fuel shut off. The red button is in the down position which I understand to be correct. When I turn the key to the on position, the relay switch under the hood clicks and the fuel pump "turns on". I have only heard them buzz in the past. This one seems to "click". Dont know about that. After sitting for several hours, it tried to start, but just barely. I will get a fuel pressure gauge tomorrow, but its seeming an awful lot like a filter. Any thoughts with these new details?

[sly]

I'm wagering fuel filter too. The fuel filter also works as a water trap, so if condensation had built up and got sucked into the filter, it could clog it up rather effectively. My dad had this problem with a 302 93 F150... replaced the fuel filter and it ran great again.

[VicCrownVic]

If it ends up being the fuel filter that's good news for you, not having to drop the tank is always good.
Even if the fuel filter is not the problem it would be a good idea to replace it if you don't know when it was last replaced or even if it has ever been replaced.
Also it's good to hear that you have eliminated the possibility of the relay being bad. Much better suggestions from others to eliminate the easy stuff first.

[split1atom]

One more update. I haven't got a chance to do anything to the car today as I had to come to work. To much on the desk! However, I did go out this morning to see if it would start by chance. Turned the key and went to give it gas just to see if I could get it to fire and the pedal was real hard. Let off and pushed it again and the pedal went to the floor. Havent got a chance to open the hood, but who knows. Maybe the car quitting was a blessing that stopped me from driving it with a stuck open throttle. On the other hand, maybe Im just real unlucky and this broke too! I don't have a clue what to look for other than the cable coming off the cam by the throttle body. Any other suggestions to look for?

[split1atom]

Well, I got home tonight and through the new fuel filter on. The car tried and tried to start but with no luck. A step in the right direction though. I grab the starting fluid and shot a bit in the throttle body and it started like a brand new car. Guess Im going to have to try to drop the tank. Other option is to cut a big hole in the trunk and peel the sheet metal back. The car was perfect when I got it, but my youngest backed it in a wall at 50 last spring when she hydroplaned. Still in great shape, but a hack job in the trunk wont make a bit of difference to me versus what I heard was required to drop this tank and put it back. I just filled the tank. Guess I should syphon it all out, but anyone on here done this before? Wondering what the best tool is or if anyone knows exactly where to cut. Im in a driveway and its getting cold. I need the car before the weeks over. Thanks for all the comments from everyone and sorry I havent been able to get back to each of you individually, but all of the ideas were helpful and appreciated!

[split1atom]

One more thought before I start. The pump is running, but the car runs on starter fluid. Im assuming the pump is blowing enough pressure. Is there any other possibilities where I should get a fuel pressure check or is it the pump.

[split1atom]

Oh yea, another question. O'reillys has a pump for $93 and a fuel pump/sending unit for $300. I dont need the sending unit, but I dont know if the other parts are any good.