Bird not happy today

[SixPac]

Re: Bird not happy today

Charlie, not saying that's the problem but could be a possibly. But then I'm sure you know a lot more about cars then I do.

Why the sarcastic response to my post Spence? I just reported what one of our members determined. I'm positive that he knows more about cars than you do. Me, I know absolutely nothing, zilch.

[5bird7]

Progress Report #1

The dealership started working on my 'bird today. First report is that the mechanic found a blown fuse and the fuel pump was not working.

He called Ford and they said to check for blown fuse. If it was, then start looking for frayed wires.

He asked if we had had the top down recently. Well, it's been down for the last 2 or 3 times I've had it out in the last two weeks. He told George that the top in the well could possibly be rubbing on the fuel pump wires.

Now that has me thinking as that could also be why the key fob couldn't get the locks to work this past Sunday. It's wires are also linked to the computer module in the soft top well.

[islandtime]

Re: Bird not happy today

OUCH! Are we opening a new chapter in the book of maintaining our retro-Birds?
Keep us posted, Dot.

[steelblue5505]

Re: Bird not happy today

I wouldn't know, I'm not a mechanic but I'm thinking the soft top folds down into its own cloth lined compartment not down into an open area. Once down it is not firmly down resting on the floor of the rear of the car.

And the wires to the fuel pump & the rear electronic module are all wrapped in a protective sleeve. It is difficult for me to imagine the soft top moving around with enough motion & force to wear away this protective wrap and the wire insulation to expose or fray the wiring. Just don't think it could happen. But ya never known

[Steve Legel]

Re: Bird not happy today

When my fuel pump "went out" it was the fuse that blew. Replacing the fuse gets it to work for a while, then ultimately it is the pump motor with too much current draw that blows the fuse again. Probably enought fuel and pressure in the system for it to go just enough to strand you.

Battery dots are like Nudos and Shusters

[Peterfurlan]

Re: Bird not happy today

Doubt very much that the soft top frayed through the wiring. If it did I would think there would be a hole or some sign of wear in the soft top.

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Bird not happy today

I went through the same thing several months ago. The engine would crank as normal but would not start. I had the car taken to my dealer where they discovered the fuse for the fuel pump went bad. They replaced the fuse (1-hour minimum labor charge) and the Bird was on it's way. A few months later the same thing happened and a mechanic friend determined quite quickly it was the fuel pump. I actually had him fix the pump (accessed through an opening under the carpeting on the ledge behind the passenger seat) in my garage for a fraction of what the dealer charges. I watched while he did the job one weekend and the pump does sit in it's own reservoir inside the fuel tank to keep it cool.

[Rondor]

Re: Bird not happy today

Is fuel pump failure a common problem in theese cars ?

[Lindy]

Re: Bird not happy today

Dot et al, my memory is a bit foggy, but I think there was a post or thread that talked about frayed wires from the movement of convert. top over time. Maybe someone can search for that post and compare problems.

Lindy

[5bird7]

Re: Bird not happy today

did a search but nothing about frayed wires but mostly about frayed fabric for the softtop.

[5bird7]

Re: Bird not happy today

Is fuel pump failure a common problem in theese cars ?

A number have had fuel pump issues with the majority occurring right after the car is brought out from winter storage. Storage doesn't seem to be the catalyst with my blue car as it's used all the time.

[Latebird]

Re: Bird not happy today

Probably the fuel pump. 10% ethanol in the gasoline is not your friend.
Happened to my Marauder last week.

[007Cruiser]

Re: Bird not happy today

Still no further word? They must be getting paid by the hour.

[5bird7]

Status Report #2

As many of you have said, they found the main fuel pump dead.

They also said they contacted Ford and Ford suggested that the transfer pump also be replaced at the same time.

No frayed wires were found.

We're going to go ahead and let them do both pumps due to mileage on car. Also asked to have both old pumps returned to us.

Next time, George just might do the work himself, now that he knows that the fuel pump can go out with a little bit of warning.

Still don't know why the key lock glitched a week ago but then, haven't checked the electrical manual yet either to see if it uses the same fuse.

We should be getting the car back tomorrow afternoon.

[lasuvidaboy]

Re: Bird not happy today

Is fuel pump failure a common problem in theese cars ?

I think it is a problem with several cars. Some of our 'Birds (even with fairly low mileage) do seem to have the same issues such as with the steering wheel clockspring, COPS, engine thermostat, fuel pump, transmission etc.