2004 Explorer. Cranks but doesn't start.

[Cast4effect]

4.0L V6 auto trans
RWD
127,000 mi
Cranks over strong but will not start/run. I can smell fuel after turning over several times so I am thinking of ruling out the fuel pump. I guess the next step is checking for spark but don't know the best way. Everything has been fine until this morning. No prior problems.

UPDATE: I got it to start later in the day. Was hard to start and ran very rough at first but smoothed out a bit as it got going. A very strong smell of fuel in the cabin and quite a bit of visual exhaust. Like it's running too rich or something.

 

[1Aauto]

welcome to the site

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 2002-2005 section. Do you have a check engine light?

 

[Cast4effect]

I now have a service engine soon light. I changed out plugs & wires and replaced the fuel filter. The filter was pretty bad and one of the plugs was fouled out. Runs like a top now but still have the service engine soon light on. Would there be a code associated with that light even though it is not a check engine light? Or are they one in the same? Note: I never had the light on until I actually got the vehicle running and drove it a bit after the morning it would not start and was on PRIOR to my changing of plugs, wires and fuel filter.

 

[jrford]

you might have a code relating to the fouled plug, bad coil maybe?
Need to find that code, if its a basic one some of the auto parts stores will tell you for free.