96 explorer quit while idling wont restart

[rockydown]

My 96 explorer quit while idling the other day. I got it started and drove one business over and then it wouldn't start again. Check engine light was on before it quit but now does not come on when you try to start it. Battery isn't dead. need to know location of fuel safety shut off switch and what else I should check. I drive this vehicle delivering papers and with fuel prices can't afford to take it to a garage right now. Thanks

 

[410Fortune]

turn key to the on position. when you do this listen for the fuel pump to prime

If no (can use helper if you want, get your ear near the tank, have them turn the key)
should prime for like 1 second.

If no then check fuel pump fuse and relay (swap with known good fuse and relay) if pump still does not come on check the inertia switch (not likely culprit here)
inertia switch is under glove box behind carpet on firewall, you can jumper it to eliminate it as being "bad" (they dont go bad often IMO)

If fuel pump sounds okay and still no start... pull your computer code.

If the fuel pump does not come on and you get it to (replace pump or fuse, etc) then pull your code.

When your CEL is on your truck is trying to tell you something, get the code.
95% of the time the code will direct you right to the problem.

Most codes will NOT cause a no start / no run condition,. the check engine light was designed for emissions equipment, not no run conditions.

Also try searching this forum for "inertia switch", "fuel pump fuse" " " " relay"

 

[tahitisweetie]

Inertia switch

My 96 Explorer quit on me the exact same way, just two days ago. I had to get BCAA to tow me to a garage. When he showed up, he had me turn the ignition key while he banged on the gas tank. The car wouldn't start but he said it was likely a fuel pump issue.
The guys at the garage found that the inertia switch had gotten disconnected. They reattached it and charged me $85.00, which I can't really complain about, it could've been a whole lot worse.

He told me, if it happens again, I may have to replace my fuel pump. I'm not sure if what he says is true or if he's trying to rip me off.