Starter or fuel pump on its way out?

This morning I cold-started my truck and took it a mile up the road to the convenience store. Grabbed something, came back out to leave less than five minutes later, truck wouldn’t start. It was cranking fine, lights and electronics were all functional, engine just wouldn’t fire. I turned it off and sat for a few minutes before trying again. Fired right up.

Which is most likely on its way out? Starter or fuel pump? Perhaps just a one-off occurrence?

I know this isn’t much to go off of. Just trying to stay in front of the 8 ball if I can.

 

Sounds like contacts or wires in the starter.

 

You said it was cranking fine, just wouldn't turn over. Right of the bat that's confusing. Maybe you mean it wouldn't fire?

 

If by "turn over" you mean it wouldn't fire off but was cranking then your starter isn't the issue.

 

Sorry, yes, by “turn over” I meant fire.

 

I just went out to my driveway to try to start it again. Back to no fire, but turning over.

 

This is worth looking into. Really sent me for a loop. It was the chip in my key that was not telling the immobilizer that it was a registered key. The valet key does the same thing. Turns over but won't fire. I won't bore you with the details, but after alot of greif, on a wim, I tried my spare chip key. Haven't had a problem since. Easy to check. Cheers, Dave

 

Unfortunately I only have one key.

 

I'd say it's a pretty safe bet you're not getting fuel. Any codes or recent work?

 

No codes. New spark plugs about 2k miles ago.

 

How many miles?

 

Intermittent problems are the worst to diagnose but definitely not a starter if the engine is turning over normally but not firing.

If you have no flashing key light in the center of the dash with the key inserted it's most likely not an immobiliser issue.

You would need a fuel pressure gauge hooked up when it acts up to verify fuel pressure.

 

167k miles.

I don’t hear the fuel pump when I turn the key on. Should hear it, right?

 

Try another battery

 

Sounds like the fuel pump is dead. You might check fuses just to be sure.

 

Checked fuses, they’re good. Won’t jump start either.

 

No, the fuel pump on 2nd gens only runs when the engine is cranking or running, there is no "key on prime" like there is on other vehicles.

 

Will it run on carb cleaner?

 

A battery wouldn't be the issue if it is cranking

 

You could also have someone beat on the fuel tank while your cranking, if it takes off you need a fuel pump.