1996 Ltd. Won't start. Battery checks fine.

[Klugh]

My X won't start . . . It has done this a couple of times, but it always started up on the next 1 or 2 tries . . . It's almost like it's vapor locked (?) or something. Was wondering if it might be the ignition module? Anyone have any ideas? I need help!

 

[xcaret]

I'm not sure if this may be the problem as yours wont start .In the Ford "secret warranties " section of the Lemon Aid Book it states . " 1996 - Hard starts and stalling can be corrected by installing an upgraded idle air control valve under emissions warranty "
This is a Canadian book that is very valube as its written by an ex member of parliment who goes for the throat of vehicle manufactures ,in this book you can find free paint jobs ,free parts replacement and so on for 10 year old vehicles that had flaking paint and a pile of other things with court records showing presedents where cases were won .

 

[Blee1099]

Couple of questions, when was the last time the fuel filter was replaced. Sometimes the fuel pump doesn't prime enough before starting which can cause your problem. Try turning the key to on for a few seconds and then back to off and then try starting. If that helps, more than likely the fuel system isn't priming properly.. Could be a fuel pump going bad, dirty fuel filter, etc.

 

[Lloyd10977]

Are you certain that your fuel pump is running? turn on the key and listen carefull for the pump to run for a second. If you hear nothing, my suggestion would be to swap the fuel pump relay with another of the same size then restart. If it works, replace that realy. They occasionally get stuck inside. Typical of many Fords.

 

[Klugh]

Well, my parents went over to the house it was at today, and it started up just fine. Does that give anyone any more ideas as to what it could or couldn't be?

 

[budwich]

Not really... although the relay is a likely candidate as indicated check the relay and listen for the fuel pump turning on when it doesn't start.

 

[Lloyd10977]

THE RELAY!!!! Sometimes a gentle tap on the relay will yield the same results. The relay is in the power distribution box on the driver's side of the engine compartment.

 

[Klugh]

Tried everything that was suggested . . . I can hear what I believe is the fuel pump running, and I checked the relay. Since I couldn't figure it out, we decided to take it to a shop.

Dropped off the X at the shop on the 25th . . . Supposed to leave it with them for approximately 2 days.

Ended up leaving it at the shop until the 30th . . . They found nothing wrong with it, and supposedly cleared the computer. They said that every time they went to drive it (supposedly they did this quite often in an attempt to get it to not work), it started up just fine.

Well, I picked it up about 4:15, drove it to the gas station, to my house, let it sit for about 3 hours, then drove over to my friend's house. Stayed there for about 2 hours working on his RamCharger, then when I went to leave . . . You probably guessed it. No start!

This is really starting to aggravate me. Later today I'm calling a friend of the family that works as a mechanic. Maybe he will be able to find out what's wrong with it!

NEED HELP BAD!

 

[Lloyd10977]

I still say that it's your fuel pump relay. Intermittent no starts like that are it's claim to fame since you can't tell by looking at it if it's working. Try tapping it. Try exchanging it with a neighboring relay.

 

[Trckmagik]

This may sound very stupid, but make sure you are all the way in Park or this will cause your starting problems. The explorer is known to be sensitive and if its not all the way in Park it can do this. Mine has done it multiple times.

 

[Klugh]

Hmmm, okay, I will try the relay again, and double check that I'm in park. Since it was driving again, I ran over to O'Reilley's and "borrowed" a OBDII scanner.

Pulled the code "P1400" off of the computer . . . Any ideas?

A mechanic there also said it sounded like it might be a crank position indicator (?) or cam position indicator (?) Possibilities?

 

[budwich]

its a DPFE code which is related to the operation of the EGR. It is possible that your egr valve is sticking. This could cause a non-start condition depending on whether it is stuck open. Of course, it isn't obvious that this code is related to this condition.... ie. is it an "old code" or something that recently showed up?

 

[Klugh]

Has been on there since a little after we bought it . . . Clears for a day if the computer is reset, but shows back up within 24 hours.

 

[tankmech]

Ive been working on vehicles for 16 years and most of the time it is the simple things that cause the problems. When it does not start can you smell fuel in the exhaust, if so the fuel pump is not the problem. If you do not a simple test on the fuel pressure regulator and fuel pump it will tell you if they are functioning. Look in the Haynes manual and it will give you the test procedures. The fuel pump relay is cheap and I would recomend replacing it if you have a lot of miles on the vehicle. You may also think about the catalytic convertor if it has high milage. When they get old they have carbon build up in them and can restrict the exhaust flow enough to give you no starts. Once they heat up they can run fine untill they cool down again. Most repair manuals have flow charts in them that if you follow every step you will find the problem.

 

[tankmech]

The code that you are getting is no set off by the EGR valve but by the EGR actuator. It is a electronic component that tells the EGR valve to open. If you follow the line from the EGR valve it will lead to the controler. You will need the calibration code from the door if you need to get a new one. It should not cause a no start problem. Also, neutral safety switches can act very wierd. When it wont start try a jumper wire across the neutral safty switch.