my 1989 escort 1.9 litre CFI has a code 96

1989 FORD ESCORT

110,000 MILES

LEE JOHNSON

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Hello ... My 1989 ford escort 1.9 litre CFI has a code 96 .. This happens happens about every 4 months ... I have noticed when it happens the check engine comes on and the fuel pump will not shut off (it should cycle off after 2-3sec KOEO ) but the fuel pump continues to run if try to start the engine it will not start just cranks over? I bought a new fuel pump relay and installed it about 3-4 later it does the same thing again .What i do every time i start the car i turn the key to run position (KOEO)and listen for the fuel pump to cycle 2-3 seconds when the fuel stops the cycling i will start the car with out a issue .But about every few months when i cycle the KOEO the check engine lite stays on and the fuel pump continues to run . What i do then is turn the key to the off position wait 1 min and try again to the KOEO position i do this 1-2 times and the fuel pump will cycle like it should and the car starts with out a problem . Do you guys have any ideas what i can check?

Thankyou

LeeJohnson

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Oct 10, 2012 at 3:56 AM

KHLOW2008

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Fuel pump running continouslywith ignition on and engine not started indicates the ECU is not cutting off after initial priming. This indicatees a likely fault with the ECU.

Remove the ECU to check for internal fults such leaking capacitors. Signs are oxidations or oily capacitors.

Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

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Maybe you have a fuel pump relay that actuates as it should

.......but the contacts inside it are sticking together

When the relay loses power (as it should to stop it's action) the contacts inside remain stuck together and the system continues to operate

Every time the contacts mate, they spark, over time they get pitted and sorta "spot weld" themselves together

You may have more than one relay in the system

Replacement might be your fix

Without it doing this constantly, this may be hard to know whether it's fixed or not.....till next time???

If these are original relays, they have served you well!......chalk up new ones as preventative maintenance, should this not be the answer

Http://www.2carpros.com/questions/2007-ford-taurus-tune-up

Sound like a plan?

The medic

Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 AM

KHLOW2008

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Hi CJ, but if the fuel pump relay is sticking, it would not cause a no start condition. I believe it has more of a control problem rather than just the relay.

I have seen many Hondas having ECU problem whereby the fuel pump would not work so for this I believe it is the opposite.

Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

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I didn't even home in on the "no start part"

On my dad's '86 t-bird, when the relay stuck, the pump ran continuously, even with the key off.

The pump was kinda loud anyway and could be heard after he exited the car.

To "kill it", he unhooked the battery

When i got there, i poured over the wire diagram of one of his two repair manuals. I located 2 relays that were fuel pump related. Luckily, i was on target with the one in the trunk.

We hook the battery back up and it started running.

I gave it a good "thump" and it shut off

He cycled it a few times and it stuck again....another "thump" and it stopped.

Off to the parts store and installed a new one....all has been well ever since.

Glad you are better with the "cyber cars" than i am

If the cjs would ever break down...i'd be in hawg heaven staying over there answering them!

The medic

Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 AM

KHLOW2008

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Well, I do have a crystal ball to help me. lol

Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 AM