'01 Explorer Sport Problems

[ORDarksideD]

I recently purchased a 2001 Explorer Sport with 45,000 miles(Checked via Carfax and the title). I've discovered a few problems with it. Any help will be greatly appreciated.

1. When starting, it will only "click" and not turn over unless you turn the key to the OFF and ON position a few times, before attempting to start it(when doing this I can hear a noise coming from the engine. I assume it's the fuel pump making the noise, but could be wrong) and then giving it gas while starting it.. It also seems to idle slightly rough(around 1500 rpm and then will settle at about 1000 or so rpm after a few minutes). I had the battery tested at Advanced Auto and was told that it was in good condition(even though it appears to be the original battery) and that he thought I probably just needed to replace the fuel filter. Does this sound like the case or should I go in another direction?

2. After the first time I filled it up the "Check Fuel Cap" and "Check Engine" light have been on. I've also noticed that gas gauge will go up and down.

3. When engaging 4x4 I turn it to the "4X4 High" setting and hear a click and the "4X4 High" light turns orange on the dashboard. I then switch to "4X4 Low" and hear nothing and the "4X4 Low" light does not come on. I'm unsure if the low setting is not working or if the light just doesn't come on.

I also have a list of parts that have been replaced and what year they were replaced:

EGR/DPFE Feedback Sensor Replaced - 2002
EGR Feedback Control Solenoid Replaced - 2002
Engine/Powertrain Computer/Module Replaced - 2002
Transmission Shift Solenoids Replaced - 2002

I'm not sure if these are all separate problems or if they are connected somehow, but any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

- Josh

 

[ORDarksideD]

Bump.

 

[akvanden]

for #3 - you have to be in neutral to put into 4 wheel low. Did you try that?

 

[97 EB Mike]

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong, but here's my best diagnosis:

#1 The "click" sound you hear is likely the solenoid on the starter. Sounds like the starter is going bad (probably a bad spot in the brushes). You can pull the starter and have it bench tested at many parts stores, but keep in mind that a bench test is not the "end all". It may spin just fine on the bench, and still be a bad starter, especially if the brushes are getting worn. I've personally flooded a fuel injected vehicle, although some say it can't be done. That may be why you have to give it some gas to get it started, and could also explain the rough idle. When you find the problem with starting, I'd put new plugs in it too. A fuel filter replacement is also a good idea. While it may not be the fix, there is a good chance that it's the original filter and is due for a change anyway. Many people neglect fuel filter changes. There is a good thread here on fuel filter changes that may help you.

2. Silly question, but I like to start with the obvious. Did you get your fuel cap on all the way after filling up? If so, there is a chance that your cap is bad. On many vehicles, if you don't get the cap on all the way, it will also throw your CEL. I can't say for sure that is the case with your X, but its possible. Could be a bad seal on the cap or plugged vent.

#3. akvanden has the best answer. If you try that and it still doesn't go into low range, then my next best guess would be the shift motor. My X doesn't have that motor, and I'm not real familiar with it, but there is a lot of info on the site about it.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

 

[ORDarksideD]

1. I do not believe it is the starter, but rather a fuel problem. I have discovered that if I attempt to start the explorer and then turn the key to the on and off position 3-4 times(I can hear the fuel pump when doing this), It will start up perfectly. I have a fuel filter and will replace it this weekend. Since this post I have changed the oil, oil filter, air filter, and used fuel injection cleaner. It hasn't resolved the problem. So, I will see if the fuel filter does the trick.

2. I've checked the codes and the computer is showing codes P0455(EVAP Emission Leak) and P0457. I have replaced the gas cap and cleared the codes. Hopefully, that will keep the CEL off.

3. That was all I needed to get 4WD to work. I've never owned a 4WD vehicle and didn't know that. Thanks.

A few other problems that I've discovered. When driving, the explorer tends to pull to the right. I've had an inspection and they said the rack and pinion were leaking, the front tires were dry rotted, and I needed an alignment. Would fixing the rack and pinion, getting new tires, and having an alignment done fix the pull? Or should there be something else I consider as well? Thanks for all the help.

Josh

 

[ORDarksideD]

Bump. Edited post.