Fuel Pump or Fuel Filter?

5

Asked by wildspirt Aug 05, 2015 at 11:01 PM about the 1997 Ford Thunderbird LX RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

How do I tell if I need to replace the fuel pump vs. the fuel filter? My car is a 1997 Ford
Thunderbird. In the mornings when I go to start it for work I have to wait 10-15 minutes
for the car to build pressure. It is usually about 50-60 degrees fahrenheit outside. If it is
closer to 70-80 it only takes a minute. If it is below 50 degrees it can take more than
20 minutes to start. With fall on its way I know i need to get this resolved.
My father also says there is a small misfire but it hard to notice. At least he thinks
there might be but he is not sure. I could tell when my last car did it but not on this
one. Other than the starting up the car runs pretty good. I drive about 80 miles a day in
it.

1 Answer

240

Well if it starts now the best plan is to have the fuel filter replaced first because it's cheaper and if u replace the fuel pump before the filter and realize the filter was the problem u will be upset and the fuel pump is definitely at least working if the car starts

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