1998 Mercury Tracer Logo
Posted on Mar 20, 2009
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Fuel Pump Problem?

I have been dealing with a rough idle in a 98 Mercury Tracer. The RPM drops at a dead stop and waivers up and down irregularly. Runs very rough on freeway or in town while accelerating. Feels like it is grabbing and fighting the process of acceleration. Recently started hearing a higher pitch whining sound coming from down low near bottom of gas tank. Seems to whine in sync with rough idle. My question is whether or not this sounds like a fuel pump going out.I have changed the plugs, wires, electronic ignition coil, IAC motor, and air filter recently. The fuel filter was changed 1 and 1/2 years ago.

  • 1 more comment 
  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    check fuel filter! if its ok,do what jete said!

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    should be 35-45 psi

  • Anonymous May 11, 2010

    get a fuel pressure gauge on loan from the auto parts and test the pressure

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1 Answer

Anonymous

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  • Expert 55 Answers
  • Posted on Jul 17, 2009
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Joined: Jul 17, 2009
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Lots of stuff in the fuel system can couse problem like pressure regulator, pressure switch,or relays. pump could be on way out though.

3 Related Answers

Anonymous

  • 39 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 25, 2009

SOURCE: High Pitch whine during acceleration

Hi Pullerwife,

I have a few suggestions for you,

First of all, check your air filter, make sure its clean, not clogged, and doesn't need to be changed.

I don't know how handy you are, but if you are fairly handy, check the idler pulley bearings, if your not, have a shop check it out, as a last resort.

Power steering pump/fluid being low is also a possibility, but thats usually more of a lower pitched whine then what you describe.

You say once the vehicle is warmed up, the whining stops. Does Weather seem to be a factor as well?

Hope I've helped, and don't forget to rate.

Lazaruselite

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Ronnie Wilson

  • 1596 Answers
  • Posted on Jan 14, 2009

SOURCE: A high pitched whining noise in the engine.

This Noise Description sounds Indicative of the Sounds that come from the Serpentine Belt Or Related parts such as Belt Idler Pulley or Belt Tentioner witch also has a Pulley, but if Tensioner itself is Literally BROKE I've replaced a number like this it will cause a Whining noise . Best case scenario its just the Belt, and if any of the other Problems turn out to be the Culprit the Belt MUST be Replaced Anyhow as Damage is Being caused By the Very Whining you hear.
PLEASE Spend the Extras $ for the BEST BELT as this Drives your Water pump, Alternator, A/C Compressor, Power Steering Pump All Crucial to Control of, easy Steering ,All Electrical-Power Distribution, The COOLING of Engine << VERY CRITICAL Component
The Pulleys usually have a more Hum type Whining. So I would say at Best The BELT , And WORST Belt Tentioner is Broke

Anonymous

  • 1 Answer
  • Posted on Feb 13, 2009

SOURCE: High Pitch whine during acceleration

More often than not the power steering fluid is low and that is the whine that you hear. Fill up your power steering fluid and see if it goes away. Cost about $5 bucks and will tell you if you need to spend more $$$ on something else.

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please rate and god bless.
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