AU won't start after replacing fuel filter

[BlueBloodAU]

Hi everyone,

I don't usually ask for advice here as a search usually turns up an answer, however, I couldn't find one today, so here goes..

Basically, I've just replaced the fuel filter myself on my AU1 sedan for the first time and having followed the instructions in my Haynes manual, I finished putting the new fuel filter in and then went to start the car, but it wouldn't start! I looked underneath the car and found fuel dripping from where the filter is after some gushed out, so went back under and re-tightened it with a ring spanner and thought this might fix it, but low and behold the car still won't start, it just makes a ticking sound when I try to start the car..does anyone know how to fix this or what the problem might be?

Thanks in advance

[blueoval]

From what I have been told, you are suppose to remove the fuel pump fuse prior to removing the old filter, start the car and let it run the fuel lines dry until it stalls and doesnt start anymore, THEN replace the old filter with the new, after that, replacing the fuse, and then priming the fuel pump a few times prior to restarting it. I think that's supposed to be how to do it according to my mechanic.

[bodes-sh]

if it is just making a ticking sound it sounds like the starter isn't kicking in. try wiggling the gear shifter in park or try it in neutral, if still no go try wiggling the battery terminals, may be a loose connection.

if still no joy it sounds like your battery is flat, you'll either need to get a jump start or charge the battery up with a charger.

[FGII-XR6]

if it is just clicking but not turning over sounds like you have flattened the battery

[BlueBloodAU]

Hi Shav,

Yeah I did all of that as it's in the Haynes manual, but what is 'priming'?

I'm beginning the think the battery may be the problem to be honest. Will have to check that as well..

[BlueBloodAU]

Thanks guys,

I'm waiting for the old man to bring his battery jumper/charger around, I will report back after we give that a go..

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by BlueBloodAU

Hi Shav,

Yeah I did all of that as it's in the Haynes manual, but what is 'priming'?

I'm beginning the think the battery may be the problem to be honest. Will have to check that as well..

priming it just turning the ignition to accessories so you can hear the fuel pump make a buzzing noise for a few seconds. If this is still happening ok, then you may have run the battery flat. Did you have your radio on or leave the keys in the ignition while on when you did the filter?

[BlueBloodAU]

Originally Posted by blueoval

priming it just turning the ignition to accessories so you can hear the fuel pump make a buzzing noise for a few seconds. If this is still happening ok, then you may have run the battery flat. Did you have your radio on or leave the keys in the ignition while on when you did the filter?

I know what you mean. I'm pretty certain the fuel pump is working fine, as I found a bit of fuel under the car the first time I tried to start it before I tightened the connection on the filter again.

No, I left the keys out of the ignition all together, but I had the radio on yesterday while I was doing something, so that could well explain the problem! But the battery is four years old, so it may be on it's way out.

[blueoval]

4 years is definitely getting on for a battery. Check the level of the battery fluid first incase its that. If its topped up, then my guess is, its due for replacement.

[AUIIPURSUIT]

if its not dry starting, aka "ARRRARRRRARRRRARRRR" and its going "tickticktick". its sparks not fuel.

Soon as i saw the thread title, i thought, fuse not replaced.. one other thing to consider, and this is a long shot, but town on the passenger side under your engine, is a coil which has your main active off your battery running to it (if you have trouble locating it). This has a small, 2.5mm cable with a clip on it that is obviously a control cable. Its quite easy to knock off if youre under your car (this happened to me changing leads) and the car will not start without it.

Im not 100% if its referred to a coil, but its worth a shot and i hope you know what i mean.

[BlueBloodAU]

Well..turns out it was just the battery! It's not the first time I've run it down, happened a few months back, but having just changed the fuel filter, I was concerned it had something to do with the fuel system. Because of the batterys age, it's probably only a matter of time before it gives in.

Thanks everyone for responding so quickly, I will take the advice you guys have given me and keep it in mind for the next time the car doesn't wanna start.. *touch wood* it's not for a long while haha.

[Day-mow]

Just make sure it's not leaking. Ive replaced mine before (also never worried about taking out the fuse and all of that just wore saftey glasses) and it's taken me a few tries before it stops leaking. Tightening it may cause some damage. Hopefully it's gone back on all good.
Glad to hear it fixed

[4ford]

Hey...BlueOval...correct me (please) if I'm wrong here, but I'm under the impression that the fuel pump will not run until you select IGN on with the key.
That is, all the dash warning lights are illuminated.
Otherwise, your fuel pump would be running all the time the car is parked with the radio on...doesn't seem right!!

Cheers

[blueoval]

Originally Posted by 4ford

Hey...BlueOval...correct me (please) if I'm wrong here, but I'm under the impression that the fuel pump will not run until you select IGN on with the key.
That is, all the dash warning lights are illuminated.
Otherwise, your fuel pump would be running all the time the car is parked with the radio on...doesn't seem right!!

Cheers

You are correct mate. Sorry, I just poorly explained what I meant.

I often get the 2 mixed up.

[Beer Baron]

The fuel pump only primes with the IGN on engine off, Then it runs all the time when the engine cranks and starts.