1996 explorer turns over but won't start

[nunnma]

It seems to be getting fuel because i hear the fuel pump when I turn the key. I also checked the Schrader valve and stuck a screwdriver in and fuel squirted out. The air filter looks clean and I'm getting a spark. Not sure what else to check. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[BigPip]

Pull a spark plug wire off put a screw driver in it then try to get it to arc across a piece of metal attached to the engine block but away from the fuel system.

 

[jplinville]

Pull a spark plug wire off put a screw driver in it then try to get it to arc across a piece of metal attached to the engine block but away from the fuel system.

Wrong...may have worked before computers, but that could cause issues.

There are proper tools for this... http://www.google.com/products/cata...a=X&ei=u1OMToj9AsLE0AGLocDrBA&ved=0CEUQ8gIwAQ

 

[jplinville]

It seems to be getting fuel because i hear the fuel pump when I turn the key. I also checked the Schrader valve and stuck a screwdriver in and fuel squirted out. The air filter looks clean and I'm getting a spark. Not sure what else to check. Any ideas? Thanks.

You say you have spark, fuel and air, right? Have you tried giving it a squirt of starting fluid?

 

[joecrna]

At the price of that tool, I don't see any reason not to get one. I've used the old method too but with a key instead of a screw driver. Haven't hurt a computer yet. Completly agree with the starting fluid/ether. If you have fuel, spark and air, thats all you need to start. If she doesn't turn over fast enough she may not start but with ether it will. This suggests new battery time or time to clean all battery to starter connections.

 

[AzRanger5.0]

Also, just because there is fuel in the rail, doesn't mean there is fuel getting to the cylinders (injector not opening). Starting fluid will tell you for sure. If it fires with the fluid, I'd put a gauge on the fuel rail to determine if you have adequate fuel pressure. 15 psi is enough to push fuel out of the schrader valve, but not enough to run your engine - you want to see around 40 psi.

 

[nunnma]

Thanks everyone. I'll try the starting fluid and then check the pressure. I'll let you know what happens. Thanks again.

 

[nunnma]

Tried starter fluid, and it started. Only for a second or two, then shut off. Guess I'll try the fuel pressure next.

 

[budwich]

check your connector on your camshaft sensor

 

[nunnma]

check your connector on your camshaft sensor

Where is that located?

 

[Turdle]

Which year is this vehicle?

Does the "THEFT" light flash as you crank the engine?

 

[joecrna]

If it started and ran a few seconds on starting fluid, either it a fuel issue or it doesn't turn over fast enough.

 

[AzRanger5.0]

If it started and ran a few seconds on starting fluid, either it a fuel issue or it doesn't turn over fast enough.

It is not an issue with it "not turning over fast enough", the problem is (assuming adequate fule pressure) that the injectors are not being told to open. If you wanted to be sure, you could get a test light that plugs into the connector for one of the injectors, then have a friend try to start it while you look at the light to see if it flashes on or not.

Before I went any further, I would throw a fuel pressure tester on it to be sure the fuel pressure was good (40 psi).

 

[Gregory1954]

1996 Explorer will crank but doesn’t start. My scanner also doesn’t communicate but it works on my wife’s 2005 Mountaineer.