2003 Ram ran out of gas...now won't idle
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver, B.C.
Follow this DIY diagnosis and you might find the problem real quick, you will need a helper for this to make life easier. Fuel pumps run on a system where they use the gasoline as a lubrication and coolant for the fuel pump if run dry even for a minute they can burn out.
1. Have your helper jump in the truck, stick the key in the ignition and wait for your signal
2. Crawl under your vehicle in the area of the gas tank, the closer the better, if you have an automotive stethoscope even better
3. Signal to you helper to turn the key to the "ON" position but dont try to crank it over.
4. As they do this with your ear or the automotive stethoscope listen for the fuel pump kicking on in your tank, it will be a whirrrring or humming noise.
5. If there is no audible noise proceed to a fuel rail pressure test
6. If there is no pressure at the fuel rail (probably around 45PSI) then your fuel pump is toast
1. Have your helper jump in the truck, stick the key in the ignition and wait for your signal
2. Crawl under your vehicle in the area of the gas tank, the closer the better, if you have an automotive stethoscope even better
3. Signal to you helper to turn the key to the "ON" position but dont try to crank it over.
4. As they do this with your ear or the automotive stethoscope listen for the fuel pump kicking on in your tank, it will be a whirrrring or humming noise.
5. If there is no audible noise proceed to a fuel rail pressure test
6. If there is no pressure at the fuel rail (probably around 45PSI) then your fuel pump is toast
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,168
Likes: 23
From: South GA
I would check fuel pressure since according to you it was running before it run out of gas. But why did you add a fuel additive? What kind did you add? Is it possible there is water in the tank?
Hall Of Fame
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 19,168
Likes: 23
From: South GA
Yeah but the filter in the sock in the tank and it is so rare to see one that needs to be replaced unless someone spitefully put something in your tank
Trending Topics
Champion
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,210
Likes: 0
From: Shreveport, LA
Your filter has a little mesh sock around it that generally keeps it from getting trash sucked up in it. BUT we just replaced my dads last week, as he ran out of gas and the sediment sitting on the bottom wrapped up the sock so thick that he couldnt idle. Same thing you are describing
But remember that our pumps are fuel lubricated and if you run it dry you stand the chance of burning it up. Pull the pump and check the sock, if its clean check fuel pressure
But remember that our pumps are fuel lubricated and if you run it dry you stand the chance of burning it up. Pull the pump and check the sock, if its clean check fuel pressure
