92 ex won't start

[pdtracer]

Any of you had a problem with diagnosing the reason an explorer won't start?I have been fighting it for a week now and finally had it towed to the shop and after two days they can't find the problem either.They say now that they are going to order a computer. Any help on the problem would be great.
pdtracer

 

[MrShorty]

More info regarding the no start. Is it a no start where the starter doesn't engage and turn the engine over, or is it the kind of no start where the starter does it's part to turn the engine over, but the engine doesn't catch and run on its own? If the latter, does it have fuel and spark? Any codes in the computer (some of the 2nd kind of no start will leave clues in the computer's memory)?

 

[pdtracer]

Starter works correctly.It just winds and never cranks.All the sensors chek fine.The fuel isin't the problem.That checked fine. I don't really know about how the codes checked out because I couldn't get it started to take to get them checked.But if it is the computer wouldn't there be a test to know if the computer is working or not?

 

[marragtop]

You can pull the codes without it running. You said 'it whines and never cranks'. Does that mean the engine isn't turning over? Also, how did you verify it wasn't a fuel delivery problem? If it's not fuel related, are you getting spark? Sorry for all the questions, but we need more info.

 

[pdtracer]

The engine turns over.The mechanic where we had it towed said it was getting fuel and spark. ALso the cam shaft sensor checked out fine.

 

[marragtop]

This is a shot in the dark, but check the vacuum lines on the vacuum tree located on the drivers side near the firewall. Once, on my 91, all the lines blew off at the same time and it wouldn't start. Took me over an hour eliminating all the normal stuff like spark and fuel, before I noticed the lines were off.

 

[mschacht]

Check the fuel pressure regulator vacuum line if you have one on yours. See if there is wet fuel in the line. Replace the regulator if there is wet fuel in the line. It is blown. Happened to me. Took me a long time to figure it out. Good luck

 

[savagefan]

Cam-shaft sensor on a 92? Timing chain o.k.?

 

[pdtracer]

Hi Again,To catch everyone up that was trying to help figure out why my EX won't start.It is still in the shop and they can't figure it out either.They had ordered a computer to see if that was the problem which it wasn't.They told me they had it cranked at times when they had tried but by nothing they had done to it.It just finally decides to run.They would drive it and it would run great until they turned it off and then they were back at the beginning again.He said he had called the best electrical man in these parts at the Ford place and they had already tried everything he advised.He said he woke up at 2 AM thinking what could it be and he is just stumped.The only thing he has figured out so far is something is not sending the signal to allow it to start.He said the only other thing he knew to try is to bring another 92 EX that is in good running and check them out at the same time and see if he can figure it that way.He is going to do that tomorrow and follow the wiring down.

 

[NightWolf0829]

Not to be smart, but did he check the overly obvious bat, cables, terminals, starter connections, and the latter? Some "Smart" Mechanics overlook simple things. If they check out then ide go for the starter, since they are usually replaceable.. It DEF. sounds like a loose connection to me. My XJ(cherokee) did the same thing while i was 50miles from home, and it was the battery terminal that was bad, and not holding the positive wire tight. Its always hard to tell..
Hope it works out!

Cheers, Justin

 

[pdtracer]

OK folks,my EX is once again running.They called today that they had solved the mystery. Here's the low down on it.It was the ignition module.Seems as though a previous owner had installed a radio and apparently had hooked to a hot wire causing a problem that was gradually distroying the module.He replaced the module,(said it costed $400.00 from Ford so he got it at Advance Auto Parts for $175.80 and just charged us cost) Also replaced a coolant sensor,$28.64 that was going bad he said.$50.00 towing, $500.00 labor and $21.13 for Enviro/Shop whatever that is.The total was $725.57.
Now my new question is ...What do you think? Does this sound like reasonal rates to any of you that may have had to buy these parts. I am an auto mechanic dunce and I never know if I have an honest mechanic or not.

 

[marragtop]

You can price the parts yourself on autozone.com. It looks like he marked the prices up about 30-40%. Towing seems reasonable. The enviro/shop charge may have been for pulling engine codes. Tough to tell about the 500 labor. Depends on how many hours it took to diagonse and fix. Going rate for most shops are 50-70 per hour.