135k 2000 XC in NM with hard starting then runs normally

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 02 Aug 2008, 14:48

Hello:

Our 2000 XC has just begun an odd behavior. When I turn the ignition key, it cranks right up, then immediately dies. It does that a couple of times, then will not light off at all. In the span of the next five minutes, I try cranking it a few times to no effect. Then the next time, it fires up and runs normally. No lights illuminate.

The first time a couple of days ago, the car had sat overnight in the garage, whose temp was maybe 85F. The second time was overnight outside with the lowest temp of maybe 70F.

I

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 02 Aug 2008, 17:11

The fuel pressure regulator is under there...just a bit hard to find...it's a brass (I believe) mushroom shaped valve. I'm willing to bet that it's something very simple like a ground or battery cable that is corroded, frayed or not making good contact. I know you've ID'd your fuel pump relay but you might try jumping the base of it (write-up in the repair database) to eliminate this as the culprit.

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 02 Aug 2008, 20:46

MIJ:

Checked the battery terminals, re-seated and tightened them. Examined the cables, at least what I could see of them and they looked OK. The battery did need some water though.

Afterwards the car fired right up and I ran it a few minutes to charge the battery.

I'll check the repair DB for that fuel relay check. Thanks.

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 05 Aug 2008, 12:15

After 3 days of immediate cranking in the garage, I took the car out for a couple of errands this morning. First stop, it cranked right back up. Second stop, exhibited same issue - crank then immediately die. Did that twice, then cranked up with a little accelerator pedal. Third stop, cranked up normally.

After an hour in the garage, I checked the fuel pressure at the fuel bar - 20-21 PSI. I then cranked the car, which started immediately, ran for a minute, shutdown and re-checked the fuel pressure. Still at 20-21 PSI.

After 2 hours, fuel pressure at the fuel bar is 3 PSI. Cranked car. Started immediately and ran it for a minute. Shutdown and checked fuel pressure- 13 PSI.

From what I'm seeing on the forum, this sounds low.

Ron
2000 XC
2001 V70
both stock

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Aug 2008, 14:53

From what I'm seeing on the forum, this sounds low.

That is very low, it could either be the pump or the fuel pressure regulator. To figure out which one it is pinch off the fuel return line and watch the pressure. It should jump up quickly if the pump is good - don't let it get over 80 PSI.

If it jumps up to well above 50 PSI the regulator is bad. If it remains low the fuel pump is bad. Normal is 43-44 PSI.

...Lee

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 05 Aug 2008, 16:01

Lee:>That is very low, it could either be the pump or the fuel pressure regulator. To figure out which one it is pinch off the fuel return line and watch the pressure. It should jump up quickly if the pump is good - don't let it get over 80 PSI.

Before I went looking for the pump and filter (these XCs with third seat, well you have to pull out a bit of stuff), I cranked up the car and checked the pressure at the fuel bar while it was running. It pegged my gauge.

So if I read you correctly, I have a bad pressure regulator.

As I said earlier up the thread, I looked under the fuel bar and see the fuel damper but no pressure regulator. The motor is a B5244T. Someplace else?

Thanks

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Aug 2008, 17:03

Ron,

It should be on the top of the fuel rail, far end on the passenger's side. It has a vacuum line on one side and the fuel return line on the other. The damper is located on the bottom of the rail more or less in the same area.

Here is a picture, it is item #7.

...Lee

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 05 Aug 2008, 17:21

Lee:

What I have is the lower part of the illustration. The only connections under the fuel bar are the damper (#21) and the delivery pipe (#23). And the wiring for the injectors.....

Post by **Ozark Lee** » 05 Aug 2008, 18:44

Your fuel system is like the 2001 and on system - You must have a late year VIN. I must plead ignorance since I have never dealt with that system. Try posting the car as a 2001 in the 2001+ forum (to avoid getting the post moved) and you might get an answer. JRL might also be able to help since he deals with a large variety of cars.

Sorry I can't help you,

...Lee

ron-powell · Post by **ron-powell** » 05 Aug 2008, 20:19

Lee:
I'll head on over there as you suggested.

One question though: You have an illustration of where that pressure sensor might be? It's referenced in the one you posted but off to the side.

Thanks again,