My Bronco Died Today, Deep Into a Remote Trail [Fuel Pump Failure]

[sjp]

This might sound stupid or obvious, but is there any chance you ran out of gas? This happened to me one time on a high mountain road in the backcountry. After getting it towed into town, I discovered some part in the gas gauge was broken, showing half a tank when it was actually empty.

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[BigMeatsBronco]

Is there a rollover switch like on the old rangers? I recall needed to reset that switch on several occasions in my 1988 ranger....lol. it could be triggered by steep angles?

 

[cyberfalco]

Low fuel may be the case. I know my gauge was all over the place the first time I took the Bronco off-road.

 

[Jimmiee]

Lol Yeah the spare fuel pump can sit next to our spare tie rods and tools. The pump does look easy to get too least from that diagram posted.

The picture is misleading. You have to drop the tank to remove the pump.

 

[Silver-Bolt]

The low pressure fuel pump is in the tank. Not exactly an easy trail fix.
https://parts.lakelandford.com/a/Fo...1_9424007/Fuel-system-components/ML21830.html

 

[SubmarineNuke]

This is a totally unacceptable failure.

Aren’t all failures by default “unacceptable”?

 

[BroncoRick]

Aren’t all failures by default “unacceptable”?

There's plenty of component failures that I can accept with trail use. Fuel system on a late model year 4x4 ain't one of them.

 

[vrtical]

The low pressure fuel pump is in the tank. Not exactly an easy trail fix.
https://parts.lakelandford.com/a/Fo...1_9424007/Fuel-system-components/ML21830.html

no but what choice do you have if you dont have a way out. I guess adding a fuel pump and rubber hammer to the collection of recovery stuff isnt a bad idea along with tools of course.

 

[Frankie945]

The low pressure fuel pump is in the tank. Not exactly an easy trail fix.
https://parts.lakelandford.com/a/Fo...1_9424007/Fuel-system-components/ML21830.html

You just drop the tank and pull the basket out then swap pumps. Worst part is your not in a clean environment. I’ve changed and swapped many fuel pumps it’s not hard. You’ll smell like gas after that’s about it.

 

[Jimmiee]

We are just speculating on a fuel pump. If your vehicle just quits running it could be many things. Here's a logical way to start your diagnosis.

1. Scan for Codes. ( Many of us do not have this luxury)
2. Listen to the gas tank. Can you hear the pump run when the key is turned on?
3. If the pump doesn't run, you have a fuel pump problem.
4. If the pump is quiet, try an alternative fuel. Starting fluid, Carb Cleaner, Brake Cleaner, Propane. If the engine runs you have found the problem. Fuel pump or injectors, etc. There will be a trouble code if the PCM has turned off the coil or injectors.
5. If the pump runs, Grab your test light and run the rack of fuses. A blown fuse is a likely cause.
6. If you have fuel check for Spark. This can be tricky with COP, (Coil on Plugs.)
7. If you have no spark as mentioned you need to check codes.

 

[jd-ford-hd]

No offense (seriously)....BUT.... your avatar/pic could hold the clue to this failure.! Waaay too many electronics under these beauties for me to ever run mine thru deep water.! Now take my '74...that's a different story.! Seriously wishing you the best in a quick recovery and repair.!

 

[Tricky Dick]

what are you expecting from Ford?! A. Stay pumped?

 

[Jimmiee]

No offense (seriously)....BUT.... your avatar/pic could hold the clue to this failure.! Waaay too many electronics under these beauties for me to ever run mine thru deep water.! Now take my '74...that's a different story.! Seriously wishing you the best in a quick recovery and repair.!

Ed Zachary

 

[vrtical]

We are just speculating on a fuel pump. If your vehicle just quits running it could be many things. Here's a logical way to start your diagnosis.

1. Scan for Codes. ( Many of us do not have this luxury)
2. Listen to the gas tank. Can you hear the pump run when the key is turned on?
3. If the pump doesn't run, you have a fuel pump problem.
4. If the pump is quiet, try an alternative fuel. Starting fluid, Carb Cleaner, Brake Cleaner, Propane. If the engine runs you have found the problem. Fuel pump or injectors, etc. There will be a trouble code if the PCM has turned off the coil or injectors.
5. If the pump runs, Grab your test light and run the rack of fuses. A blown fuse is a likely cause.
6. If you have fuel check for Spark. This can be tricky with COP, (Coil on Plugs.)
7. If you have no spark as mentioned you need to check codes.

you can do a quick test pull a COP and use a scrwedriver, you can ground it to check for spark.

 

[wetdog]

Thanks for the feedback. Just trying to think of potential ways to force fuel delivery short-term via a temporary splice just to get the vehicle off the trail so It can be brought back to a shop for proper repairs.

You could cut line with tubing cutter and splice a rotary hp pu.p in line ,I would this before I drug it out. Maybe try a squirter of starting fluid to see if its fuel related failure.

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