1993 Ford Festiva starting problem/fuel pump

[baja]

3 weeks ago Festiva would not start. Conclusion was a bad fuel pump (so I thought) still under warranty, original pump was bought in aug 2012, Carter pump p72165. Installed new pump car started fine, ran about 300 miles, next morning would not start. Automatically assumed fuel pump, pulled it out and installed another pump, ran for 3 days no issues,,, today no start again,. Pulled out fuel pump and checked right at the battery, pump and motor sing like a canary. Purchased a new strainer today and installed the exisiting pump, fired up drove around the block, pulled in the drive..shut off and started twice fine, 3rd time nothing again... past maintenance, new fuel filter, new pump, tank has been cleaned out. new cap rotor plugs, new battery. car is averaging 33-34 mpg when it runs, Have power at the pump... Please help with ideas, where to look.. is . Any assistance will be appreciated.
1993 Ford Festiva GL, automatic, 143,000 miles

[Damkid]

1993 Ford Festiva starting problem/fuel pump

I'd check the fuel pump relay under the dash on the drivers side

[georgeb]

Jump the fuel pump relay. You can get out of the car and hear the gas in the rail.

[baja]

I'd check the fuel pump relay under the dash on the drivers side

Can the fuel pump relay act flighty... Work not work?

[nitrofarm]

Can the fuel pump relay act flighty... Work not work?

Check the plug & wires that plugs into the VAF

[XFSE71]

if VAF does not move ... no fuel pump, no start. maybe sticking VAF ???

[Movin]

Statistically it is more likely for the VAF plug connection to be bad unless you remember bad backfires that may have bent something causing VAF sticks. The relay can most definitely be a work - no work kind of failure. Enough grief already, time to diagnose. If things like this get turned in under warranty it will not be long before a new VAF and a new connecter, a new relay and crash switch will have to be installed to obtain warranty on the fuel pump...just like AC compressors.

[nitrofarm]

if VAF does not move ... no fuel pump, no start. maybe sticking VAF ???

BETCHA a six pack it was the wiring at the NEW pump.hmmmmmm

[RhodeStiva]

1993 Ford Festiva starting problem/fuel pump

I've said it a thousand times. Because it happened to me. Check the main power relay under the hood it will effect the fuel pump.

[RhodeStiva]

1993 Ford Festiva starting problem/fuel pump

[XFSE71]

BETCHA a six pack it was the wiring at the NEW pump.hmmmmmm

Had I taken you up on the bet, we'd both be owing each other a 6 pk. Not a bad bet after all. Looks like smoked relay for dinner again tonight.

[Movin]

Proper marinade of filet of relay enhances the aroma and is oh so savory!