'02 XLT Won't Start (8/28/05)

[maxemillian]

Am a n00b here, but read the rules for posting here. Hope you can help & hope I fit admin's criteria for calling "911": our family vehicle won't start & kids start school this week (it's Sunday).

* Explorer ran fine yesterday. No issues prior & won't start as of today.
* I've 1/4 tank of fuel. Antifreeze is low (not empty) & others are topped off.
* Battery's good as electrical seems fine: keyless entry, lights work, etc.
* Starter's trying to fire the engine (I'm no mechanic), but won't turn over.
* Manufacturer's note under hood saying if engine won't start, reference manual for what to do with the "fuel shutoff switch".
- bought vehicle used & don't have manual
- found no help on 'net for this M/Y after much searching
- checked inside rear of vehicle for a compartment, but found none
- anyone have any insight where I might find this switch to try???
* No unusual odors.
* No leaks detected.

That's about all the data I can think to provide. Any help's GREATLY appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

 

[Blee1099]

Welcome to the site. Couple of questions, when you turn the key to the ON Position, can you hear the fuel pump? If not, then there is your problem, the fuel pump is not working. There is a fuel shutoff switch on the passengers side firewall (well on the 1st gen & 2nd gens not sure on the 02-current). You can also check for fuel pressure by pressing the schrader valve on the fuel rail but wear glasses when doing this to avoid gas in your eyes. If all of those are fine, then also check for spark.

 

[mesa 33]

Look underneath on the passenger side back by the center console. Thats where it should be.If not try by the drivers side up by the pedals in there. Hope this helped a little. But usally the switch turns off if u get in a acident. Maybe someone kicked it by mistake.

 

[exploded99]

Also, go to motorcrafts website, click on technical resources, then click on owners information. Select you your vehicle model/year, and you can download the manual and all the pubs that came with the vehicle. (Drawing on memory here, so I hope thats right.)

 

[davidmmm69]

The Inertia Fuel Shutoff (IFS) switch (Figure 72) is used in conjunction with the electric fuel pump. The purpose of the IFS switch is to shut off the fuel pump if a collision occurs. It consists of a steel ball held in place by a magnet. When a sharp impact occurs, the ball breaks loose from the magnet, rolls up a conical ramp and strikes a target plate which opens the electrical contacts of the switch and shuts off the electric fuel pump. Once the switch is open, it must be manually reset before restarting the vehicle. Refer to the Owner Guide for the location of the IFS.

 

[IAmTodd]

Could also be the IAC. This gave our '02 starting troubles. It would never stall, it just wouldn't start.

Fuel pump could also be a problem.

 

[maxemillian]

Still down, but grateful for the support

Thank you guys, for all the great info!

Blee, I do detect that the fuel pump's working when I place the key in the "ON" position. I have to admit, I've not tried the schrader valve as that's unfamiliar territory for me. I may give that a shot b/4 my mechanic shows up in a couple hours ....

Mesa, I was hoping you were right & appreciate the insight. I did find it & my story follows.

Exploded, your memory was perfect! If nothing else, now I'll have the manual in pdf-format for future reference & can use the ~$20 I'd have spent to order a manual toward fixing this pig. Oh, & it was here that I discovered just how big a Polak I am (I am, so figure I can say that w/out offending): shut-off's right inside the door of passenger's well & the opening to reach is designated w/ raised lettering on the molded part that calls it out!!! Alas, it didn't help. But, 1 more possibility eliminated.

David, the schematics helped to understand the mechanism.

Todd, I'll make sure to bring up the idle air control valve w/ our mech!

 

[davidmmm69]

also iif you need the full data on anything on the 2002. Let me know I have a membership via ALLDATA.COM and it is the same as the two 3" books that I have also for that vehicle.
let me know and I will give you log in info for my account so you can look into that.

 

[maxemillian]

SUCCESS! (for now, at least)

David, regarding ALLDATA.COM, that's very generous of you! Thanks, I'll certainly let you know if I could use that extra assistance.

To all, our '02 is running! For future reference here, should anyone need it, I offer the following ...

I think Todd nailed it! I was able to get the engine to turn over, but only by pumping the gas & the moment I let off the accelerator, it stalled out. I spoke over the phone with a mechanic who agreed the IAC may be the problem based on the symptoms provided. He said their garage replaced 4 just this year alone. They were busy this week & he understood my need. The mech explained that carbon will build up & cleaning does little; however, if the computer was involved in locking up the IAC, there may be a simple fix. Here was his advice: take the cover off to expose the engine's topside & tap w/ a hammer on the IAC while someone worked the ignition. For those like me, who didn't know what to look for, the IAC is exposed on top w/ the cover off, about 1-1.5" in diameter, metal, w/ a plastic connector attached. It took a few wraps, but it worked! I've since left it idle several times, took it out on the highway to open it up a bit, & did a bit of stop & go just to be sure.

I'm not sure if those running the forum will see this as good advice or frown upon it. I can always edit this out if necessary & there's no saying if/when I'll need to replace the IAC. For now, we have transportation!

Great forum! Very generous & helpful people! Based on this, I'm sure you'll be seeing me around. Thanks again!

 

[davidmmm69]

David, regarding ALLDATA.COM, that's very generous of you! Thanks, I'll certainly let you know if I could use that extra assistance.

To all, our '02 is running! For future reference here, should anyone need it, I offer the following ...

I think Todd nailed it! I was able to get the engine to turn over, but only by pumping the gas & the moment I let off the accelerator, it stalled out. I spoke over the phone with a mechanic who agreed the IAC may be the problem based on the symptoms provided. He said their garage replaced 4 just this year alone. They were busy this week & he understood my need. The mech explained that carbon will build up & cleaning does little; however, if the computer was involved in locking up the IAC, there may be a simple fix. Here was his advice: take the cover off to expose the engine's topside & tap w/ a hammer on the IAC while someone worked the ignition. For those like me, who didn't know what to look for, the IAC is exposed on top w/ the cover off, about 1-1.5" in diameter, metal, w/ a plastic connector attached. It took a few wraps, but it worked! I've since left it idle several times, took it out on the highway to open it up a bit, & did a bit of stop & go just to be sure.

I'm not sure if those running the forum will see this as good advice or frown upon it. I can always edit this out if necessary & there's no saying if/when I'll need to replace the IAC. For now, we have transportation!

Great forum! Very generous & helpful people! Based on this, I'm sure you'll be seeing me around. Thanks again!

glad to see that it worked out for you...
wnder if it would help me to replace the one on my 2002. since i have over100000 on it...
I did on my 1995 and it was so nasty inside of it.