1999 Ford Explorer SOHC won't start

[Ryth]

I've been having a problem over the last few months where at times my 1999 Explorer won't turn over.

It usually takes a bit to start it up if it hasn't been in use for a few days since I live in the city. Once I get it started, it runs fine. But usually if Im taking it out to run close errands, after I come out of the store, it has issues starting again.

Other times, if I drive for a bit (like a 1/2 road tripe or more), it usually starts right back up if I stop to get gas or food or shop, etc.

It also seems to have issues in wet/rainy conditions.

But then again, there are times where it will sit for a few days and start right up on the first turn.

Not sure wtf is going on..don't know if it's the starter, spark plug wires, distributor cap (do we even have one?), etc. The odd timings and variety of this is hard for me to understand and figure out what it is.

This morning, I tried to start it and it's not working at all..tried multiple times, etc. It is really humid and damp out this morning though.

Not sure if it's a starter or something else.

Any help is appreciated on what it might possibly be. Don't want to take it in for repair and waste money on something like a starter if I don't need it.

Thanks
Ryth

 

[joecrna]

Have the battery checked and the battery connections. It discharges sitting a few days. Short trip is not enough to recharge it. Rainy day increase resistance at connections making a marginal battery charge not enough.

 

[Ryth]

Have the battery checked and the battery connections. It discharges sitting a few days. Short trip is not enough to recharge it. Rainy day increase resistance at connections making a marginal battery charge not enough.

Battery was good...had it towed to a local shop and the guy said it was the fuel pump assembly according to the codes and that it was going to be like $900 to fix the thing.

I was like no thank you. I found a $100 used pump assembly and am going to have another garage put it in for $250.

Before I do that...is there anything else I can check? They said they were pretty sure it was the Pump.

I read some people actually take a hammer and 'bang/tap' on the fuel pump (do you bang on the tank?)...not sure where I would 'bang/tap' on?

 

[vroomzoomboom]

if this is going on more when it is damp or humid out, i would be looking more at coil pack, spark plugs and wires. how many miles on it, and when was the last tune up done?

 

[Ryth]

160K+ and last tune up was prob 5+ years ago if even that.

It even does it when its in my apartment complex garage which is usually pretty dry and not hot or cold..but it usually starts up.

Someone was saying you can hear the fuel pump for a few seconds when you turn it...what does that sound like, (and where do you actually listen for it?)

Thanks again.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

you will hear a "whine" sound coming from around the drivers rear tire. it will do it for about 2 seconds then stop, but that mostly will be if it hasnt been driven for a hour or more (i think). i would also say, if it was the fuel pump, it would not start, or may even die when it was running.

 

[Ryth]

you will hear a "whine" sound coming from around the drivers rear tire. it will do it for about 2 seconds then stop, but that mostly will be if it hasnt been driven for a hour or more (i think). i would also say, if it was the fuel pump, it would not start, or may even die when it was running.

Yah that's the thing...if it starts, it runs fine...doesn't have issues or anything...which again makes me question the fuel pump.

The only issue is getting to to start...it turns but doesnt fire and when it does, sometimes on the try that actually almost gets it started..it almost dies out or does...then if I start it again, it actually finally starts. When it does sputter on the start and you try to give it some gas...it almost conks it out. Then you have to try to start it again and usually it starts on the next try or two.

 

[janolsson]

Do a fuel filter change and plugs first. If that doesn't improve things then get the codes if you have any and post them.