2000 Explorer won't crank or start sometimes after driving it for awhile and parking

[hoodoo]

First happened when the vehicle was fairly new but not as often. Now it happens fairly often. It only has 89,000 miles and is the 4.0L SOHC with automatic transmission and 4WD. Engine runs great, smooth with good acceleration. We bought it new.

When the Explorer is driven around enough to bring the engine temperature up to full normal temp, then parked for 10 or 15 minutes it sometimes won't crank after that. Waiting 20-30 minutes or so it will usually crank right up and start with no problem. The hotter the weather is, the more often it happens and the longer I have to wait before it will start.

It happened once when I was getting the tires swapped, but started working again while the guys at the shop were still trying to diagnose.

What would be the possible things to check? I should have made Ford fix this early on, but whenever I took it in to them it always started up no problem, so it is definitely intermittent.

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

If it wasn't itermittant I would have said battery running dead.. but if you don't have to charge it to get it working.. Its definitely not that..

Im wondering if its overheating? Like heatsoak? im not sure how bad explorers are for it...
would explain why it works again after it cools off.. like in a ford service bay with a/c or in shade without being driven for a while...

 

[drdoom]

I would replace the fuel pump, sock strainer, and filter.

 

[ThatExplorerDude]

I would replace the fuel pump, sock strainer, and filter.

This.

 

[hoodoo]

I would replace the fuel pump, sock strainer, and filter.

Thanks for the info guys. So it's possible for a faulty fuel pump to prevent the starter from engaging? Basically I turn the key and get nothing - no clicking, no cranking at all. The dash lights, fan, radio etc all work fine when it won't crank so it has plenty of battery power.

 

[1998Exp]

No, the fuel pump won't affect the starter. I would start by troubleshooting the starter connections: relay, cables (including the negative one). If the starter has power but won't crank, the starter itself could be at fault.

Thanks for the info guys. So it's possible for a faulty fuel pump to prevent the starter from engaging? Basically I turn the key and get nothing - no clicking, no cranking at all. The dash lights, fan, radio etc all work fine when it won't crank so it has plenty of battery power.

 

[masospaghetti]

Next time it won't start, have a helper wiggle the battery cables and see if that fixes it. I've had battery cables fail on two different 2nd gen Explorers and it produces the problem you describe. Usually the cable is internally corroded.

 

[hoodoo]

Next time it won't start, have a helper wiggle the battery cables and see if that fixes it. I've had battery cables fail on two different 2nd gen Explorers and it produces the problem you describe. Usually the cable is internally corroded.

Thanks - I'll try this out. I also saw a suggestion somewhere else to plug in an ODBII Scanner when it fails to see if any error codes come up. I can't believe I didn't think of this before as I already have a scanner!

 

[hoodoo]

No, the fuel pump won't affect the starter. I would start by troubleshooting the starter connections: relay, cables (including the negative one). If the starter has power but won't crank, the starter itself could be at fault.

Good idea - will try this also. I guess I need to buy a voltage tester.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Also check the negative battery cable where it connects
to the block near the starter. For some reason this connection tends to corrode and cause problems on
Fords.