2002 xls-stalling & starting problem

[MR_NC]

2002 Explorer XLS 4x4
5speed manual
4.0
no mods
140,000 on the clock

Only part needing replacement since I got the thing was the 4x4 module. I have replaced bearings, seals, etc in the drivetrain but I feel that to be pretty unrelated to the problems I have now.

It pretty much drops dead soon as it gets up to a "full hot" operating temp. Like today, really hot thing died in about 10 minutes of running. When cold it will start and run fine. Till hot then it's dead.

When it does this it will "try" to start/run momentary. Then step on gas and/or just wait and it will puke again. If you let it cool off completely it will run again for a short time.

1. I replaced the fuel filter as it seems gas related and Autozone had it.
2. I can hear the fuel pump run at key on condition.
3. I have checked spark and it does seem to have spark when this problem happens.
4. Once when it pulled this crap I was able to hear the fuel pump relay (in the main fuse block) going crazy. I shut the truck off and swapped out relay. No effect.
5. When it is running it is running right. No power loss, gas guzzling, etc. When it is not having a moment it makes you think it's fine.
6. Of course the stupid stuff has been checked over. Nothing disconnected, burned thru, toast or otherwise messed up that I can see whatsoever.
7. The system does in fact have fuel pressure. I checked that when I discharged it at the shrader valve today when I changed the filter.

Can the crank sensor I see behind the dampner cause this? ECU? I am stumped and don't want to get BS'd at the dealer. It's also not practical for me to go on a witch hunt hanging parts till im broke. Since my toy car is in the shop this sorta leaves me without wheels.

Best regards,
Sean

 

[Gatorblazer]

Sounds like the computer is causing something to screw up. On my 00 sonoma I had the same issue. It wound up being that the computer was telling the injectors to dump high amounts of gas. Wound up screwing everything up, and replacing the computer. I sold the freaking thing once it ran somwhat ok. I would take it to a good local guy, and see if they can reset it.

 

['97 V8]

when you say full hot, do you mean like into the red hot on the gauge or in the middle of the gauge hot?

 

['97 V8]

Sounds like the computer is causing something to screw up. On my 00 sonoma I had the same issue. It wound up being that the computer was telling the injectors to dump high amounts of gas. Wound up screwing everything up, and replacing the computer. I sold the freaking thing once it ran somwhat ok. I would take it to a good local guy, and see if they can reset it.

doesnt disconnecting the batteries for 5-10 mins reset the compter?

 

[MR_NC]

[QUOTE='97 V8]when you say full hot, do you mean like into the red hot on the gauge or in the middle of the gauge hot?[/QUOTE]

No not beyond operating hot. Temp never goes places that it should not. I mean like leaving the truck run a few minute without moving. Or driving on a hot day. Cold days and lower temps clearly don't bother the thing.

Yesterday it hit 80-90 deg around here. It ran 10 min then that was IT.

Day before it was like 60-70 and everything was fine...

What ever it is that is not happy it sure seems that it is affected by temp. Hot = push

Best regards,
Sean

 

[MR_NC]

[QUOTE='97 V8]doesnt disconnecting the batteries for 5-10 mins reset the compter?[/QUOTE]

Yep! I did this the first time it pulled this on me. No effect, same condition after reset.

Best regards,
Sean

 

[Rick]

I copied this thread to the 911 forum.

 

[Papa]

Put a gauge on the fuel rail and monitor the pressure up through the cycle till it dies a couple of times. This will give you some numbers to work with even if it is not a fuel problem. The stuff you can prove with numbers will lead you to the stuff numbers are harder to get to such as a diagnostic computer readout.

 

[Blee1099]

If the truck is overheating, you'll definately have issues starting it. I assume you can hear the starter kicking in.. Don't forget to check the crankshaft position sensor in front of the motor. That can also be a cause, another option is the PCM not detecting your PATS keys. That has occurred to some people here before.

 

[MR_NC]

Update

Time constraints mandated going off to the stealership...

Stealership indeed...

Stealership:
Does diag, says fuel pump is the problem.

$650 later (finally yesterday I pick the truck up). Dealer says it's fixed. Yea sure it is....

Today, nice and hot outside again...

Guess what....
It's dead, and my wallet is much thinner.

It is getting towed to the door for the service entrance today. I am going to put a nice "window sticker" on the truck. Something along these lines.

Used 2002 Exploder XLS $7000
Having problems $0
Stealership fixing problems $650
Finding out they screwed me PRICELESS!

For the record the truck never overheats. It is CLEAR however that what is going on is "heat sensitive".

Best regards,
Sean

 

['97 V8]

when you go back there demand that they fix the problem. Obviously they had no clue on how to fix the issue and they charged you for soemthing that apparently isnt related to the problem your having. This is when you get stern with the dealer by the way. Oh, we could have told you how to replace the fuel pump....coulda saved ya about 500 bucks.