2000 SOHC Wont Start

[Kris Guilbeaux]

It turns over but wont start.

Things I have Checked so far:

Fuel System (all working properly)
fuses
Battery
Starter

Any other ideas I should Try

 

[Ranger Al]

on the driver side kick panel, there is a reset switch. You might have tripped the switch and have to reset it.

 

[JDraper]

Possible the PATS system might have gotten confused too. If you have 2 keys, try the other key and see what happens.

 

[marragtop]

If it's getting fuel, then I doubt if the inertia switch is tripped. Are you getting spark?

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

The inertia switch was not Tripped, Tryed both keys already. I am removing the ignition coil next to test it. Any other ideas?

 

[Billy177]

if you use the gas when trying to start it does it make a difference. if not i would try tapping the crank position sensor with something as that is most likely your problem

 

[Kris Guilbeaux]

Well it started But it was a strange link in the #2 spot in the power distribution box. but the Haynes manual or the owners manual does not list what it is. This link Ohms open in fact I put the one from my mountaineer in my moms Explorer and it started but the mine ohms open too. I am going to the dealer tomorrow and find out what the hell this peice is...

 

[mweiss]

I ran into this problem at 1am in the morning. 98 Explorer cranked over, almost started, but then stalled right away. Tried cranking and cranking. Waited half an hour and tried again, but vehicle would not start.
Next thing I did was pull the #1 spark wire and jam a screwdriver into the plug end and lay it next to the alternator frame. Cranked over and observed a good spark. So it apparently is the fuel system.
Later on, I got a brain storm and decided to contradict the logic of starting a fuel injected engine by pressing on the accelerator while starting, just like with the carburated engines.
After some cranking, it was trying to start, almost like wet ignition wires, and then it finally started, but as soon as I took my foot off the gas, it shut off immediately.
I started it again by pressing on the gas and cranking at same time. Took foot off pedal, engine stalled again. THere's no idle. I was able to drive the vehicle home by using one foot on the gas and one on the brake.
What causes there to be no idle? Is it an inexpensive owner replaceable part, or is the FI system or computer messed up?

 

[Jules2001]

I had the same prob. It start then stop immediately, til one day it didn't start. I got the fuel filter changed and the idle control valve cleaned. It starts fine.

 

[aldive]

Years ago, I had a no start problem that proved almost impossible to solve.

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34619&highlight=alarm+system+woos

Turned out to be an O2 sensor.

Good luck .......

 

[mweiss]

I checked the Throttle Position Sensor this afternoon. According to the Haynes manual, there is supposed to be 1.5-5 volts with throttle from closed to fully open. I'm getting zilch between those two pins.
Even odder, the engine idles without the TPS connected. In fact, the truck seems to start and operate normally without it!
But whatever the problem is, it is intermittent. I discovered the engine seems to operate normally after reconnecting the TPS.
The first time the engine returned to normal was when I had the TPS disconnected and a voltmeter across the pins 1-3 of the connector to measure 4.98 V. Then the engine was able to be started and the idle worked again. I thought the meter was sending some voltage or resistance back to the computer, so I disconnected it while motor idled. Nothing happened--motor continued to idle smoothly at the correct speed. Ever since then, the motor seems to idle.
However... sometimes I can make it stall by revving it and taking my foot off the gas pedal real quick. Then it sometimes loses idle. If I gradually let off, it will idle down to 950 rpm. Sudden deceleration causes it to idle to 0.
I think the TPS is likely bad. I need to take it off the intake and measure the resistance to verify failure, but my hands are cracked and bleeding from the cold and I have to wait til tomorrow to try again.

 

[Billy177]

a bad iac will cause it not to idle