Is the inertia switch supposed to be up or down?
The inertia switch is a safety item incorporated by Ford in the fuel system of its vehicles. The only time the inertia switch should trip is during a collision. With the inertia switch in the open position, the red button is raised up. It is not supplying power to the fuel pump in this position.
How does the inertia switch operate?
The switch activates when a tiny ball runs up a ramp, which is triggered during the sharp deceleration during an accident. The ball makes an electrical contact at the top of the ramp, and the electrical current to the fuel pump is discontinued. It is a safety item found on every modern fuel-injected vehicle.
What triggers an inertia switch?
In case you don’t know the inertia switch, it is designed to shutoff the fuel pump in the event of a collision, as to not create a fire hazard if a fuel line is damaged. Inertia from a crash was used to trigger the switch. The inertia switch was reset by simply pushing the red button on the switch.
Is my inertia switch bad?
A bad inertia switch could be triggered by hitting a bump or tapping your foot to hard on a good song. You know where it is now so if it stalls again, reset it, drive to parts store, and replace it.
Where is the inertia switch located?
The inertia switch is located behind the trim on the left-hand side of the vehicle, forward of the front door post, below the fascia. A finger access hole in the trim allows the driver to reset the switch.
Can a fuel inertia switch go bad?
Well-Known Member. A bad inertia switch could be triggered by hitting a bump or tapping your foot to hard on a good song. You know where it is now so if it stalls again, reset it, drive to parts store, and replace it.
Do all vehicles have an inertia switch?
All modern fuel injection cars are equipped with an inertial fuel cut off switch that shuts off the power supply for the fuel pump if the vehicle is in a collision.
Does the ECM control the fuel pump?
Some electric fuel pumps are controlled by the ecm and most cars have eliminated this problem by having a switch that keeps the fuel pump shut off until the engine builds up oil pressure. If you have a car ecm with an electric fuel pump and you suspect fuel problems, do this.
Where is the fuel pump inertia switch located?
In the event of an accident, an inertia switch may trip, isolating fuel pump operation. Once the switch has tripped it must be reset before attempting to restart the engine. The inertia switch is located behind the trim on the left-hand side of the vehicle, forward of the front door post, below the fascia.
