Car wont start - Looks like the fuel pump no working...

[Arapo]

After 3 and a half weeks away, tried to start the Tuscan up and go for a run. It was sitting in the garage, and I was worried that the battery would give me problems.. Only had the car for a couple of months, so just getting to know it..

Battery was OK, it started fine, then after around 20 or so seconds running, the engine cut out.
Went to start it again, but the oil pressure waring light on the pod (that I have been told by the previous owner is an indication that the fuel pump is on...) was not on. Although the starter motor would turn, the engine would not start.

Turned the key off, then locked and unlocked the car from the key (which is what I normally do for the pump to come on, as I never manage to start the car before the immobilizer kicks in) but the light refuses to come on..

Checked the fuse of the fuel pump and its fine, but I am not sure how to check the fuel pump relay.

Anyone that can suggest anything else I should be checking??

Thanks!

Edited by Arapo on Saturday 18th July 18:39

Edited by Arapo on Saturday 18th July 19:37

[Arapo]

Tried to start it again today, just in case it was one of those "mind of their own" things, but still nothing...

Help? Anybody??

[Shaolin]

Can you hear the fuel pump starting? When I press the button on the key I can hear it start up, it's quite quiet, but noticeable and something I listen for as a sign to all is well.

[Arapo]

Nope - cant hear it, I must say... :-(

[Rorus Maximus]

Check that you havent knocked the fuel pump relay with your knee ! , if the engine was initially running and then cut out this could be the cause , if you can no longer hear the fuel pump running. It only needs to be slightly off true to stop the pump working , if you refer to previous threads you will find a fuse box lay out , there you will find the position of the fuel pump relay , on mine i think it is the yellow relay .
Certainly worth a try before you go for a new relay , also try resetting the inertia switch above the fuel tank , although I would not think this the likely cause .Not sure how or why this should infuence the oil pressure light though .

Hope this helps

[PetrolHeadPete]

There's a fuel cutoff in the boot under the long cover above the fuel tank
Check all the contacts are ok and you could also try pushing the button under the rubber cap just in case it's triggered for some weird reason
The fuel pump itself is low down on the chassis in the n/s rear arch. Guess you could check the contacts to it

[Arapo]

Thanks guys!

There was a new development yesterday evening: After fiddling with the key in the ignition a few times (pressing the alarm/immobiliser button), the fuel pump came on and the car started.

However, the idle revs are now too low. Normally its around 700, but now its down to 400-500. I let the engine run for a couple of mins keeping the revs at around 1500, to warm it up a bit, but the idle would still be too low. So I just turned it off, and left it parked..

And all this just a month after a good 12K service..

Any words of wisdom??