02 Vulcan fuel system problem

[Willyum]

Changed spark plugs and co-incidental to the timing, had start and running problems ever since. Finally after several stalls and one hand push home, the check engine light came on and throws a P0191. On another site it tells to replace the fuel pump driver module located under the back seat. The explanation of what is faulty isn't clear in the P0191 decoding.
Is there a good place to start with this problem or should I give up and have it towed in?
Thanks in advance.

[way2old]

The P0191 is fro the Fuel Rail Pressure sensor.

P0191 - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor Circuit Performance (FRP) The comprehensive component monitor (CCM) monitors the FRP pressure for acceptable fuel pressure. The test fails when the fuel pressure falls below or exceeds a minimum/maximum calibrated value for a calibrated period of time. High fuel pressure.
Low fuel pressure.
Damaged FRP sensor.
Excessive resistance in circuit.
Low or no fuel.
A FRP PID value during KOER of 138 kpa (20 psi) and 413 kpa (60 psi) for gasoline or 586 kpa (85 psi) and 725 kpa (105 psi) for natural gas vehicles (NG) is acceptable.

[Willyum]

Thanks Way2Old.
So, do you think it's the sensor or the pump? Is the pressure regulator for my model with the pump in the tank or on the fuel rail? I'm having trouble getting started. I know the thieves at the dealership would hit me big with this one.

[way2old]

You need to get the fuel pressure checked before guessing. Post the pressure readings and we will go from there.

[Willyum]

I have a Palm Scan EP that I plug in the OBD2 diagnostic plug.
Not sure if this is the reading you can work from because I have had times when it just won't start. Now with the check engine light on the readings off the meter are: switch on - 80KPG, engine running - 90 to 95 KPG. This morning it started in the driveway and ran fine for 2 blocks then quit. I had pushed it home. Am afraid to take it out again.

[way2old]

See what pressure is when it dies. If it is way low, the pump is probably at fault. Make sure it is not losing spark also.

[Willyum]

I took it on a 10 mile run last PM and it went fine.
Can anything be determined from the noise the fuel pump makes? I have always heard a soft "thump" from the rear when turning on the key, but now after the thump, hear pump noise building up to pressure. When it quits or won't start - no thump, no noise. Maybe am ultra sensive to the situation.
I used the scanner to clear the light and it hasn't returned.
Appreciate your replies.

[shorod]

Often a louder than usual electric fuel pump is associated with one that is soon to fail.

-Rod

[way2old]

It is also possible the fuel pump relay is intermittently failing. Hate to say it, but it has to be broken to fix. If it is running, it is really hard to diagnose.

[Willyum]

Still having the problem of no start intermittently. Check engine light is on throwing code P1233. Found a TSB regarding but can't find the fuel pump module or even know if the car has one. The TSB refers mostly to F-150 P/U's but tells that it can happen with any model.
Talked with service writer @ Ford and was told that I should have a new fuel pump installed to the tune of $1100.
Any info about experiences with this situation would greatly be appreciated

[way2old]

Here is the short version from the shop manual. There is a short description and possible causes. The fuel pump module is the fuel pump assembly. The fuel pump driver module is located in nvaripus places dependant upon the model and engine size. For yours it should be located behind luggage compartment lining, RH side

P1233 - Fuel System Disabled or Offline LS6/LS8:
For LS6/LS8, P1233 indicates the PCM is not receiving the fuel level information on SCP from the rear electronics module (REM). Refer to Workshop Manual Section 419-10 for REM (REAR ELECTRONICS MODULE) self-test/diagnostics.

All Others:
The PCM monitors the fuel pump monitor (FPM) circuit from the fuel pump driver module (FPDM). With the key on, the FPDM continuously sends a duty cycle signal to the PCM through the FPM circuit. The test fails if the PCM stops receiving the duty cycle signal.
Inertia fuel shutoff (IFS) switch needs to be reset
Open FPDM ground circuit
Open or shorted FPM circuit
Damaged IFS switch
Damaged FPDM
Damaged PCM

The PCM expects to see one of the following duty cycle signals from the FPDM on the FPM circuit: 1) 50% (500 msec on, 500 msec off), all OK. 2) 25% (250 msec on, 750 msec off), FPDM did not receive a fuel pump (FP) duty cycle command from the PCM, or the duty cycle that was received was invalid. 3) 75% (750 msec ON, 250 OFF), the FPDM has detected a fault in the circuits between the FPDM and the fuel pump.

[Willyum]

Can't find the fuel pump driver module, took out the back seat and right trunk lining.
Went to a different Ford service dept today. Service writer looked thru the computer data that he had and told that all my electronics are on/in the fuel pump. Comes to $1200 there. All the info that I've found tell me that my year and model has a fuel pump driver module in the trunk but no luck. The car smells gasoline to high Heaven.
With the check engine light on it has ran well.
Thanks for your reply and information posting.

[shorod]

I just checked the factory service manual as well, for the 2002 Taurus with 2V/cylinder (Vulcan) V6 the fuel pump driver module is listed as "behind luggage compartment lining, RH side." I would take that to mean it is mounted on the passenger side of the trunk, behind the side trim/lining. It will have a 2 row, 10 terminal connector connected to it with only 6 of the terminal locations populated, 1-2, 7, 9 and 10.

-Rod

[Willyum]

Found the module. Have to take the back of the rear seat down to access it. Is actually in the trunk but mounted to a support for the seat.
Thanks for the help.

[Willyum]

The car has a really strong gas smell. I'm going to have to drop the tank to see what it is.
Thanks Rod and 2Old for the help........