cannot start engine? 1998

[Bob Scharton]

Hi, I need help please?
I have a 1998 V6 SOHC 4WD. I cannot get the car started at times does not seem to matter if hot or cold? sometimes it starts right up other times it takes alot of cranking. The altenator makes alot of noise when it finally starts then queits down and works fine? when the car does start it runs great? Last night I went to move the car into the drive way and the battery died really quick never has happend before? so I was thinking this altenator has not been charging? but could it have anything to do with the car not starting?
it turns over fine just take alot of turn over stopping starting to get it to do it?

Thank you for any help.

 

[Deathfire138]

I've heard of alternators going bad and even draining batteries but I'm not an expert... If it's making a bunch of noise and the battery died really quick I would say the alternator has gone bad, but as I said, I'm no expert.

 

[my98nnj]

Have the charging system checked. Most auto parts stores will do this at n/c

Check the fuel pump and relay for the extended cranking/hard starts.

 

[Bob Scharton]

I thought about the fuel pump but thought if it runs great when (it runs) could it b the fuel pump? what relay?

 

[Deathfire138]

The fuel pump relay is in the power distribution box under the hood, it's on the same side as the battery but closer to the windshield. Open it up and on the bottom of the lid should be a raised diagram. Fuel pump should be number 5, or at least it is in my '98 explorer, only mine's 2WD, so you might want to check the owner's manual just in case.