Low fuel pressure...

 

Very easy way to determine if it's fuel delivery like I posted originally...

Remove cover on airbox and while cranking the motor over, wide open throttle, spray a small shot of either (starter fluid) if fires then quits, your not getting fuel... ***CAUTION USE JUST A SMALL SHOT OF EITHER***

 

did you leave a rag inside the intake tube or anything?
sounds simple but it has happened...

 

I almost did leave a rag in the intake, remembered last minute. What does the flashing "fuel" mean?

 

That means it is low on fuel.
did it stop flashing when you filled it up?

 

Yes it hasn't flashed that message since I filled it up. I also ran the check engine codes to see if anything came up, and the invalid gear code 25 was the only one. I had to rock it a bit to engage park.
I can't figure out how it started right up the first time and ran a couple minutes like a top. Now nothing??

 

hmmm, basics are air, fuel, and spark.
Did you check your battery voltage?
Fuel pressure?
Clean air filter?

 

Yeah that is what I kept thinking while I banged my head against my roll bar ...
The battery is turning over the motor easily so should have a good charge, may throw it on the charger for fun.
Air filter looks OK, can hit it with the wet dry vac just to be sure.
Maybe the fuel pump sucked air or dirt when the gas ran low? Does it need bled or can it be cleaned? Don't have a fuel pressure gauge maybe a regular tire gauge will work?

 

ya, don't be fooled on the battery.
check the voltage to be sure.

Do you have a 2008 with a valve on the fuel rail? (like a tire stem valve).

 

Yeah 2008, it does have the valve on the rail. Thinking I can use a tire gauge to read the fuel pressure?

 

well,,, if you dont mind having fuel in the air gauge.... LOL

amperage is different than voltage.. your battery might have enough amperage to crank the engine, but not enough voltage to run the EFI system.

 

With the conditions you described, the only obvious thing that changed was the fuel delivery when the tank ran dry. If it were mine, once the electrical connections were ruled out I would pull the fuel pump and check it to see if it did pick up a bunch of crap. They're pretty easy to pull.

 

I charged the battery up, it was getting low, and cranked it over this morning. While it did crank faster with a full charge still no start. This time if I hit the gas while turning it over it almost sounded like it maybe wanted to start. just a little.
When I turn the key to "on" I believe I hear the fuel pump turning on for a moment. I tried a tire gauge on the fuel rail valve but didn't get a reading, not sure the gauge is sealing. If I just press the valve with a nail a very small puff of gas does shoot out. Not sure if it is enough though.
I may pull the fuel pump to look it over but not real sure I know what to look for unless it is obvious. Manual says it contains non-servicable filters, maybe try to look them over?

 

Right, good old starting fluid...
It may be tough to crank with the thottle pegged while spraying down the throttle body. Guess I better find a friend.

 

Don't let a enemy spray the starting fluid...:rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3:

 

Check the spark plugs. They could be fouled!

 

Sounds like its not getting gas...Check the fuel pressure. Autozone will rent you a gauge for Free..

 

I will head to auto zone in a few minutes for the gauge. When checking the fuel pressure do I just screw the gauge on the valve and then just turn the key to "on"? Do I need to crank the motor or just leave it in the on position? I'm guessing the gauge should hold the pressure so I can run back and check it after turning the key?

 

CORRECT

 

Hazey, Did you do as Tim suggested and give it a shot of starter fluid? You're trying to determine if it's fuel related before you run off to rent tools.

 

Sometimes people don't understand the simplest things in life...

 

I would just change the pump for good measure.Those things are crappy.At auto zone you can get a replacement I cant remember the part # though.Do some research and you should be able to find it.

 

E-8335 AirTex Fuel Pump...

 

BINGO there it is.Good looking out Tim!

 

Tim as they say you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink !!!

 

There is a lot of value in that statement...


Keep throwing parts at it until it starts...:rofl3: :rofl3: :rofl3:

Then tell me what was wrong...:rm_thumbdown: :rm_thumbdown: :rm_thumbdown:

 

I have met a few peeps that wont use starting fluid because it so hard on the engine.I doubt it would hurt these low compression engine's though.

 

I ran home at lunch break and I hit it with the starter fluid and nothing. I was alone so I could only hold open the trottle and spray then quick head up front and turn the key. I tried it twice and nothing.
I ended up checking the fuel pressure and was able to get about 35-36 psi. I had to have the hose on there just right, too loose or too tight and I got a low reading.
I even stuck my finger in the plug wires to make sure they were sparking, ouch. Both were!
Battery at 12.7 volts.

I am still stumped... but thank you all for your advise and feedback. I appreciate your help and patience!

 

I ended up checking the fuel pressure and was able to get about 35-36 psi. I had to have the hose on there just right, too loose or too tight and I got a low reading.

doesn't the fuel line clip onto the fuel rail? how do you adjust how loose or tight it is?

 

Fuel injectors? I know if you let a FI car engine run out of gas it can be a p.i.t.a to get it running again.
You also might have sucked crud up from the tank and clogged the system up.
So new filter and fuel pump and cleaning/replacing the injectors may be in order.
just my .02