I have a 2001 Mercury Sable that has been sitting for two months while I was in the hospital... I went to start it yesterday and it wouldn't turn over. It was not getting any gas. I checked the fuel filter, fuel pump fuse and relay and the emergency switch in the trunk... they are all good. I can't hear the fuel pump coming on. Would it go bad after sitting two months or could it just be stuck? I checked the gas cap, knocked on the gas tank with a rubber hammer, cleaned the throttle body and sensors. I then used starting fuel... the car starts up, but dies just as fast... no gas. Any hints, other than replacing the fuel pump? Can it be tested on the car? If not, I may have another heart attack!

. Reset the inertia switch in the trunk. Press the switch button and try to start the engine.

. Test all under hood and under dash fuses with a test light or multimeter:

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Remove fuel pump fuse (likely no. 16), clean contacts with abrasive cloth, and apply dielectric grease. Likewise, remove fuel pump relay (likely no. 30), clean contacts, and apply dielectric grease. Have someone turn the ignition switch on and off and listen for the relay's click.

Fuel pumps are extremely reliable. I've never seen a modern-day fuel pump go bad.

. Check for battery voltage to the fuel pump relay connector, if necessary, with the ignition ON.

. Check the Constant Control Relay Module (CCRM), located next to the battery, if the problem persists.

How did you check the fuel filter? Ford recommends replacing them every 30,000 miles. If it hasn't been changed in the last 30,000 miles, I would definitely get it done. My father used to have his Toyota Tacoma pickup truck die on the highway, due to a clogged fuel filter. He had to change them much more often than called for.

You stated, "I checked the fuel filter, fuel pump fuse and relay and the emergency switch in the trunk...they are all good."
How did you check them and what did you find out exactly? You need to find full battery voltage at the fuel pump at the appropriate time for the system to be declared functional.

Like TxGM posted, rarely do newer, well designed fuel pumps fail. Even more rarely do they fail while simply sitting.

I have a 2001 mercury sable that I drove to the store came out and it would not start. I pumped on the gas pedal and the car started. I have driven the car several times after the initial problem, now the car won't start at all. Two weeks ago I had two fuel sensors replaced. Is it possible the mechanic messed up when replacing the sensors? Any idea what the problem could be?

lucky19, exactly what two sensors were replaced?

. Check all under dash and under hood fuses with a test light or multimeter.

. Remove and fully charge the battery. Most auto parts stores will do this for free.

. Check for codes.

. Check for fuel. Can you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank run for 2 seconds, when the ignition switch is turned to ON? Have you replaced the fuel filter in the last 30,000 miles?

. Check for spark.

I own a 2000 Ford Taurus, with the 3.0L 24-valve Duratec engine, so I'm very familiar with these cars. What engine do you have; i.e. Duratec or Vulcan?

I have a 2000 sable with the 3.0l Duratec engine. I have recently done a complete that consisted of this:

1. Replace All Spark Plugs with Bosch Platinum 4
2. Replace all intake seals in Intake Manifold
3. Replace all vacuum lines
4. Replace PVC vacuum line
5. Replace Idle Air Controller
6. Replace both Temperature Sensors
7. Clean Throttle Body with Cleaner
8. Clean Mass Air Flow Sensor with proper Cleaner
9. Replace Air Filter
10. Replace Main Fuel Filter
11. Reset All codes in Computer (there was never an engine light nor codes)
12. Fuel Pressure check at test point on Fuel Rail. (no pressure) Weird?
13. Replaced the MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor.

Starts and runs good, but No pressure at the schrader valve on the fuel rail. Fuel pressure regulator sensor is expensive. Should I replace it? Why no pressure yet runs great?

If the fuel pressure was really too low in the fuel rail, the injectors wouldn't work and the engine wouldn't start. I doubt that you have a real problem.

Thanks, I agree. I just replaced the EGR and found one of the gaskets missing. Could have been the problem?

Thanks, I agree. I just replaced the EGR and found one of the gaskets missing. Could have been the problem?

I forgot, it was throwing engine light with P0171 & P0174 Codes. Now that the EGR is replaced I will see if they come back. Thanks again.

I have a 2000 Taurus, with the Duratec engine (143,000 miles). Bosch Platinum 4 plugs have caused misfires with these engines. My experience has been that it's best to stay with Motorcraft Iridium plugs. After that, I would go with Autolite Platinum or Iridium plugs.

The weak link on any FWD car is the transmission. Be sure to drop and clean the pan and magnet, change the filter, and refill with Mercon V ATF every 30,000 miles.

I have 0 problems with the Bosch Platinum 4 plugs. I do agree with the transmission filter replacement. I do that on a regular basis. I think maybe my EGR was the culprit and especially since one of the gaskets was not installed. Driving to Slave a fornia tomorrow and back, will see how it goes.. .

Where in the trunk is the inertia switch?