Won't start parked on incline

[MountainBikeRoamer]

Originally Posted by GrumpyBadger

Have it torn apart. There is absolutely no switch visible anywhere. Just wires and connectors. No switch.

HEY! What do ya know.
Do you know, offhand, if your E350 is a "FlexFuel" model?

This same question came up on the forum a while back with another member. (In June this year.)
It may turn out that your van is a model that doesn't have the inertia switch located in the usual location.
(If yours has "FlexFuel" designation.)

Same issue, member could not find the inertia switch.

SMB Forum Thread: 2014 E350 Inertia/fuel switch location?
http://www.sportsmobileforum.com/for...ion-19670.html

From that thread:

Originally Posted by JackTuppVan

After looking at your gallery it appears you have a FLEX FUEL van.

From what I've read , late model flex fuel vans do not have an inertia switch.


"You do not have a inertia switch. The fuel shut off is in the restraint control module.

The event notification signal is a signal provided by the Restraints Control Module (RCM) to the FP control module. Signal communication between the RCM and the FP control module allows the PCM to shut-off the FP.
Should the vehicle shut off after a collision due to this feature, the vehicle may be restarted by first turning the ignition switch to the OFF position and then turn the ignition switch to the ON position. In some instances the vehicle may not start the first time and may take one additional key cycle."


link to the information .... 2009 Ford: flex-fuel..van..an intermittent loss of power to fuel pump

[GrumpyBadger]

Not a flex fuel model, but it does not have the switch, as evidenced by the same "turn it off and on" wording in the manual.

Given that I have turned it on and off several times now, I am thinking whatever reset it might be is either not the issue, or is hosed.

Tomorrow when it is light again, and I am not as raging furious, I will try disconnecting the battery to see if I can force some kind of reset in the confuser and see if it resets some pesky sensor that is keeping the fuel pump from working. Otherwise... tow to the shop Monday.

[MountainBikeRoamer]

I must admit that curiosity has gotten the best of me now....
....so I've done a bit more reading, and have found mention that certain very-recent-year models of the Econoline have an inertia switch that's mounted against the right-hand side of the steering column --- in a spot that's buried up under/behind the lower dash panels that cover up where the steering column retreats into.

One guy mentioned that it's easier accessed with the interior-engine-cover "doghouse" removed.

EDIT: Other people reference access to an inertia switch that's above the brake pedal, this may perhaps be referencing the same location.

[Wanderlust Bus]

Hmm. My little brother Jeremy also lives in Los Alamos. He also knows a thing or two about nuclear physics. He knows a little bit about engines. I could have him contact you if you think it could help. At the very least, he has a truck that could tow you somewhere.

Send me a PM if you would like me to reach out to him.

[86Scotty]

https://youtu.be/G-tCIRJH9p0

[GrumpyBadger]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

https://youtu.be/G-tCIRJH9p0

Mmmm... yeah it does. (don't think it's gettin to the injectors though...)

[JackTuppVan]

Originally Posted by 86Scotty

https://youtu.be/G-tCIRJH9p0

That was funny ......Funny Ha Ha .... not the other kind of funny.

GrumpyBadger Remove the fuel filler cap, and listen for the fuel pump to energize as a helper turns the key to run without trying to start the engine. A good pump can be heard buzzing for two seconds at a time between cycling the ignition key.

also try thumping the fuel tank with a rubber mallet while someone tries to start the car, sometimes the vibration will get the pump spinning again.

[86Scotty]

Good advice from JackTuppVan.




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[GrumpyBadger]

Thanks again.

I tried bangin on the tank. No go. I am quite sure, though, when they jostle it onto a tow truck it will unbind whatever the problem is and decide to start working.

[arctictraveller]

This is why I now carry a fuel pressure gauge (and spare pump too) at all times. Best of luck.