2000 Escort ZX2 - Possible fuel pump issue? - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

IguanaGrrl · 07-22-2009, 17:17

I'm getting mixed information from two different shops and really need a point in the right direction.

I have a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 and within the past couple weeks, the check engine light has come on and my car is idling very roughly, to the point of dying whenever I slow down using the brakes (rather than downshifting to slow down). The car starts right back up after I come to a stop, though, so I'm convinced that the issue is with the fuel system.

I had my fuel filter replaced one year ago and tried a fuel injector cleaner to no avail. The car has nearly 150,000 miles at this point, so I'm fairly certain that my problem surrounds the fuel pump.

I have contacted Pep Boys and was given a price of $318 for replacement (about $75 in labor and the rest in parts). When I contacted another shop, I was told that the cost would be about $800, though, as they claim the fuel pump is inside of the fuel tank.

When searching the web, I've seen both under the back seat and inside of the fuel tank, so I'm very confused at this point, so I'm turning to you for help.

a> Do the symptoms I'm describing sound like a faulty fuel pump?

b> Is the fuel pump inside of the tank or under the seat for my vehicle?

Thanks!!

Sterling_Six · 07-22-2009, 18:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by IguanaGrrl

I'm getting mixed information from two different shops and really need a point in the right direction.

I have a 2000 Ford Escort ZX2 and within the past couple weeks, the check engine light has come on and my car is idling very roughly, to the point of dying whenever I slow down using the brakes (rather than downshifting to slow down). The car starts right back up after I come to a stop, though, so I'm convinced that the issue is with the fuel system.

I had my fuel filter replaced one year ago and tried a fuel injector cleaner to no avail. The car has nearly 150,000 miles at this point, so I'm fairly certain that my problem surrounds the fuel pump.

I have contacted Pep Boys and was given a price of $318 for replacement (about $75 in labor and the rest in parts). When I contacted another shop, I was told that the cost would be about $800, though, as they claim the fuel pump is inside of the fuel tank.

When searching the web, I've seen both under the back seat and inside of the fuel tank, so I'm very confused at this point, so I'm turning to you for help.

a> Do the symptoms I'm describing sound like a faulty fuel pump?

b> Is the fuel pump inside of the tank or under the seat for my vehicle?

Thanks!!

Hello and good day to you:

First lets address the location of the Fuel Pump ... it is located under the back seat, and is sealed with a "O" ring in the Fuel Tank.

Now lets address something I don't seem to understand ... You state the CEL (check engine light) came on...did you get a OBDII Code reading from that Light?? Did it (and do you know for sure) that it indicated the Fuel Pump>>>

Also if the Fuel Pump is Bad (or Going) you would have no or little Fuel Pressure Coming to the engine.

I would like to ask ( and please understand why) are you a Female??? If so, i would recommend you get a 3rd opinion. I am sorry to say it is still the case if they see you coming they will sale you allot of unnecessary Repairs.

I would thrust more in Pep Boy's in repair ... But please go to Advance Auto, or Auto Zone, and Have you CEL OBDII Codes read.....And please get the numbers. They will start with a "P" and please make sure you see the code, and write it down.

After this please advise us further. One more thing this could be half a dozen things. I would lean more to a Bad Fuel Injector, and a Throttle Positioning Sensor.

**jwko** · 07-22-2009, 18:49

Might be in need of a tune-up. When was the last time the spark plugs and wires were changed?

Also, the $318 estimate on the fuel pump sounds more like it. Yes it's in the tank, and is also a very easy change out process.

IguanaGrrl · 07-22-2009, 18:58

To answer some of the questions...

I tried to go to Pep Boys today to have the codes read, but they were all full for the day. I will be returning tomorrow and will stay until I can get the codes done.

Yes, I am female, and I understand the natural tendency towards overcharging females because we are typically less knowledgable of cars. This is why I'm doing my research! :D

The car was last tuned up 1 year ago, including a fuel filter replacement at the time.

The way that the car acts definitely seems like a fuel issue. Whenever I have my foot on the accelerator, it is fine, but once the fuel is cut off, the car dies.

I'm now getting to a point where it dies every single time I reach a stop light and it is having a hard time starting because it isn't getting enough fuel TO start.

**jwko** · 07-22-2009, 19:08

Be sure to let us know what the codes are.

I suspect it could be a bad idle stop solenoid, fuel pump or a problem with the EGR system.

IguanaGrrl · 07-23-2009, 17:29

Ok, I think we've completely eliminated the fuel pump as the issue. :)

My car is tossing 3 codes:

P1383 VCT Overretarded Bank 1
P1000 ODBII System Checks Incomplete
P0171 System Too Lean Bank 1

From what I'm seeing, it looks like it is probably either the o2 sensor or vacuum hose. :) Any other thoughts?

**jwko** · 07-23-2009, 18:52

Trouble Code: P1383
Variable Cam Timing Over-Retarded (Cylinder Bank 1)
Possible Causes:

Cam timing improperly set

Low oil pressure, VCT piston chamber not receiving any oil flow

VCT solenoid valve stuck in closed position

Camshaft advance mechanism binding (inside the VCT unit)

-------------------------------------------------------------

Trouble Code: P1000
OBD II Monitor Testing Not Complete
Possible Causes:

Battery keep alive power (KAPWR) was removed to the PCM

One or more OBD II Monitors did not complete during an official OBD II Drive Cycle

PCM Reset step was performed with an OBD II Scan Tool

-------------------------------------------------------------

Trouble Code: P0171
Fuel System Too Lean (Cylinder Bank 1)
Possible Causes:

Air leaks after the MAF sensor, or leaks in the PCV system

Exhaust leaks before or near where the HO2S is mounted

Fuel injector(s) restricted or not supplying enough fuel

Fuel pump not supplying enough fuel during high fuel demand conditions

Leaking EGR gasket, or leaking EGR valve diaphragm

MAF sensor dirty (causes PCM to underestimate airflow)

Vehicle running out of fuel or engine oil dip stick not seated

TSB 01-20-5 contains a repair procedure for this trouble code

fixitnowlt · 07-23-2009, 20:32

The P1000 is normal. You can disregard that one.

The P0171 could be set because of the P1383. Disregard this for now. FYI- The EGR tubes on this motor did like to break in the area where they mate to the exhaust manifold.

The cause of the P1383 will make the car run (very) bad. The VCT solenoid is on the exhaust camshaft. It controls the cam timing. I have replaced about a half dozen of these for this code. The valve cover, front cover and timing belt have to be removed for access. Once accessed the exhaust cam sprocket, sprocket bolt and VCT solenoid can be replaced. I highly recommend changing the oil and filter at this time. In fact, if the vehicle has not had an oil change in a long time and/or the oil looks very bad, this can be the root cause. Be sure to double check the timing belt and ALL idler pulleys while in there. I have see the pulleys come apart in as little as 20K miles.

It is not a cheap repair. I worked at a L/M dealer and the final repair bill was $1300 in 2004. Seems to me there was a bulletin on this from Ford but I do not have that info.

Sterling_Six · 07-24-2009, 17:34

Thanks Guys for the help .. Jwko where did you get that detail OBDII Code with possible cause???