TEST 2: Fuel Pressure Test With Gauge
As I mentioned at the beginning of this tutorial, Ford installed a Schrader valve on the fuel injector rail.
As you can see in photo above, this Schrader valve looks just like a tire valve stem (the one used to air up the tire).
It's to this Schrader valve that you'll connect a fuel pressure test gauge to, to check the fuel pump's pressure.
With the key on, engine off (KOEO), the factory manual says fuel pump pressure should be between 30 to 45 PSI for the 5.0L and 5.8L V-8 engines. The KOEO fuel pressure for the 4.9L 6 cylinder is 45 to 60 PSI.
NOTE: If you don't own a fuel pressure gauge, you can rent one from your local auto parts store (AutoZone, O'Reilly Auto Parts). If you're interested in buying your own, check out my recommendations here: Which And Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Gauge.
OK, let's get started with this test:
- 1
Connect the fuel pressure test gauge to the Schrader valve.
With a shop towel, mop up any fuel that was released during the process of connecting the fuel pressure gauge to the Schrader valve. - 2
When ready, ask your helper to crank the engine while you observe the fuel pressure tester's gauge.
- 3
Your fuel pressure gauge will register one of the two following results:
1.) The fuel pressure gauge will register 35 to 45 PSI (5.0L, 5.8L) or 45 to 60 PSI (4.9L), or
2.) The fuel pressure gauge will register 0 PSI.
OK, now that the testing part is done, let's take a look at what your results mean:
CASE 1: If the fuel pressure gauge registered 0 PSI. This tells you that the fuel pump IS NOT working and behind the no-start problem your Ford pickup (van or SUV) is currently experiencing.
Now, I usually take one more precaution, before condemning the fuel pump as bad and this is to check that the fuel pump is getting 12 Volts as the engine is cranking. This is just to make sure that the fuel pump relay, fuse, and inertia switch are OK and doing their job.
What you'll have to do to accomplish this is to attach a multimeter in Volts DC mode to the wire that supplies this voltage to the fuel pump and while a helper cranks the engine, verify that the fuel pump is getting this power. If the 12 Volts are being supplied to the fuel pump, you have now 100% verified that the fuel pump is fried and needs to be replaced.
CASE 2: If the fuel pressure gauge registered the indicated fuel pressure specification. This test result confirms that the fuel pump is working and delivering enough fuel to the fuel injectors.
More importantly, this test result tells you that your Ford pickup (van or SUV) is not starting is due to another reason. The fuel pump is OK.
The following tutorial may have some helpful testing suggestions: How To Troubleshoot A No Start (Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
Checking The Fuel Pump Inertia Switch
In a nutshell, the fuel pump inertia switch is designed to activate during a severe impact cause by an automobile accident and cut power to the fuel pump. Unfortunately, sometimes it gets activated by less than severe impacts (like jumping the curb).
This means that it's always a good idea to check and reset the inertia switch whenever testing the fuel pump. On the majority of the vehicles covered by this tutorial, the inertia switch is located below the right side of the instrument panel, behind the trim panel.
Resetting the fuel pump inertia switch simply involves pushing down on the button located on top of the inertia switch till it bottoms out. If the inertia switch has been jolted into shutting off the fuel pump, you'll feel a definite ‘click’ as you depress the button.
Where To Buy A Fuel Pressure Gauge
The fuel pressure test gauge kits below include the Ford Schrader valve adapter and if you comparison shop, you'll find that buying it online is the best way to save.
Where To Buy The Fuel Pump And Save
You can find the fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter in any auto parts store. If you're wanting/needing to save a few bucks, then buying the fuel pump/strainer filter online is the route to take.
The following links will help you comparison shop for the fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter:
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Will the above fuel pump and fuel pump strainer filter fit your particular Ford pickup (van or SUV)? Don't worry, once you get to the site they'll make sure it fits (by asking you the specifics of your particular vehicle). If it doesn't fit, they'll find you the right one.
More Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L Tutorials
You can find a complete list of tutorials for 4.9L, 5.0L or 5.8L equipped Fords here: Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.9L Index Of Articles.
Here's a small sample of the tutorials you'll find:
- Manifold Absolute Pressure MAP Sensor Test (Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
- Ignition Coil Test -No Spark No Start Tests (Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
- How To Troubleshoot A No Start (Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
- Testing A Blown Head Gasket (Ford 4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
- How To Test Engine Compression (4.9L, 5.0L, 5.8L).
- How To Test The Ford Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor (at: easyautodiagnostics.com).
If this info saved the day, buy me a beer!
