OK, it's happened twice now and I'm baffled. After shutdown, my 2.6/2.3 FI won't restart. Engine starts immediately, but acts like it's starved for fuel. Idles for a while then dies - won't accept throttle. When idling, the Low Fuel idiot light stays on, along with a few others. The first time, I checked fuses and tapped on relays looking for loose connections. No results. Then 10 minutes later - after doing nothing else, it fired right up. Tonight (300+ miles later), it did the same thing again. I checked all fuel and vacuum lines - no results. Then 5 minutes later, just when she's dialing AAA, everything starting working again and it brought us home!

Even though everything's working fine again, I can't trust it not to leave us stranded.

I changed the fuel pump 6 months ago, but it never lit up the idiot lights, so I don't think that's it). My regular mechanic is on vacation until after Christmas and since everything's working again, I hate to leave it with a stranger - especially when it's probably something simple (fuel pump relay?) Any suggestions?

I'd try the following (in order)

1) Replace fuel filter.
2) Do a pressure test on your fuel line (not sure what the PSI should be for your vechile...check manual)
3) Depending on results of #2, check for blocked fuel line.
4) Check Fuel Pressure Regulator
5) Check fuel shut off mechanism to make sure it's not shutting off ramdomly.

Good luck

you can also try your fuel pump relay, if it's a 2.6, it's the same relay as the heater, switch it out and see how it goes.

I'll try switching relays next time. Aggravating thing is that with the exception of this occasional glitch, it runs fine - even under hard accelleration, which makes me think it's more of an electrical problem and not a fuel blockage. But, I'll still check out all these suggestions.

Thanks!

I am experiencing the same symptoms on my 89 pickup 2.6. WHat other dash lights stay on and how long? I was thinking I jsut had a short because my E-brake light, fuel light, check engine light stays on until it warms up and then they turn off again until I start up again. Ryan

[color:"blue"] blue rig[/color] ,
I know the Fuel and Check Engine lights stayed on, but I don't remember which others (my O2 light's been on for years 'cause I procrastinate and haven't flipped the switch). But they're only on until whatever-it-is decides to work properly again. When I turn the starter and they go out as soon as the engine fires, I know the Troop will run right. Mine's only done it twice in about 50 starts. WHEN/IF it happens again, I'll pay more attention. Is your's happening all the time?

[color:"red"]mtboulder, [/color]
Where do I find the Fuel Pressure Regulator and shut off mechanism?

Steve

the FPR is on the front of the intake manifold

The FI on these engines runs off the Alternator -- not the battery (that's what all those relays do). Your fuel pump will shut down after starting if your alt isn't putting out enough current (Amps!!! A Voltage check done by your local autosupply store won't tell you this.)

In other words, the dash lights will come on (like normal) as you turn the key on, your engine will start when you move the ign to that position, the dash lights will stay on even after the engine is running, then the engine will die.

Do a search for "dash lights" or "alternator" and read all the posts. You may be surprised.

WOW, all those alternator posts describing my same problem! Wonder why I didn't notice them when they were first posted <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/sleeping.gif" alt="" />? I just assumed the fuel pump power came from the Batt., not the Alt. Guess my automotive naivete is showing (again) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />. Thanks for the heads-up and giving me a new direction to explore!

Steve

Guess my automotive naivete is showing (again) <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" />.

Don't worry. In some/most cars, it is drawn from the battery. Isuzu decided to switch it to alt power after startup. Most likely for a safety reason. If you crash your car bad enough, assumingly either the engine dies, or the front takes enough of a hit to disable the alt, then the fuel pump dies. If it was on battery power, it could keep pumping.

Michael