Car will not stay running.

[emcgee]

Sounds similar to my issue. I have a 2016 Explorer XLT 1/16/2023 i went to start my car and it was dead. I had a mechanic stop by and check it. After playing with it for a while he was able to get it to start. He said engine cranked too much. He deactivated the fuel pump. Didn't find any fail issues. After plugging it back in it started. Sid the engine was flooded with fuel. I didn't drive the car at all that day after he fixed it. The next morning (Tuesday) on my way out to work I got in the car, and it didn't start. I had it towed to a local shop. They were not able to look at it unit Wednesday. I get a call from the shop, and they are telling me it started right up. However, they did replace a fuel pump module. I picked the car up Wednesday evening. It drove fine until Friday afternoon; I was leaving work for lunch, and it was dead. Had it towed back to the same shop. It sat there all weekend until Monday when a mechanic was able to look at it. I get a call Monday morning and they are telling me it started right up. They had it sit longer and started a few more times to be sure. No issues found. I picked my car up Monday afternoon. It drove fine and started several more times throughout the day. The following day Tuesday afternoon on my way out the door it was dead again. Once again, I had it towed. However, this time to a 3rd mechanic. They looked at it Thursday morning, and guess what,,,Yes the car started right up for them no issues. I have gone to the shop twice since they told me it was working and found no issues. After having it towed 3 times to several different shops and having 4 different mechanics look at it all told me it started right up the following day, and they cannot find anything wrong with it. Battery is a few months old. Starter, alternator, fuel pump was all checked multiple times. Key fob works, doors lock, and unlock, lights and radio all working. It just makes a sound attempting to start, but nothing happens. I finally decided to schedule an appointment with a Ford dealership. I'm in Illinois. Right now, it's cold and snowing. I have a very busy schedule thought the morning and evening. I cannot risk driving and being far from home and my car decides to play dead. I'm not sure what to do at this point. Hoping Ford and crack the code. Wondering if anyone else has had the same experience.

 

[Mbrooks420]

The fuel pump is probably just failing. Often, they’ll be intermittent before totally dying.

 

[Mbrooks420]

Check engine light on?

 

[emcgee]

Check engine light on?

no, no warning or check engine lights are on.

 

[Mbrooks420]

It lights when you turn the key to on, though?

 

[emcgee]

It lights when you turn the key to on, though?

Yes, all lights and radio stay on when I try to start it. it attempts to start, but nothing happens.

 

[Fix4Dirt]

welcome! if you prime the pump a few times does it then start up?

 

[Turdle]

I have a hunch about these so bare with me.

If this works I'll explain if not shut up.

Rock the explorer side to side as much as you can. Try to shake the gas tank back and forth, in other words.

Then enter explorer, floor gas pedal and try starting it holding pedal floored. Of course , if it starts, don't let it over rev.

 

[peterk9]

Yes, all lights and radio stay on when I try to start it. it attempts to start, but nothing happens.

This may seem like an odd question but are you parked on an incline when this happens? How much fuel is in the tank?

Peter

 

[Davidm53]

My 2016 was in the shop all week. It would crank strong but no start.
Very intermittent , do it every other day or so. Would keep it at home to observe it.

Pounded on the fuel tank with a rubber mallet thinking it was the fuel pump.
Was no rime or reason, thinking it was related to the temperature but proved that wrong.

All the time no codes or panel lights and when it ran it was good.
Would be fuel rich and idle would be uneven till it smoothed out after a failed start.

Started the other morning and brought it to a shop close by. They started it for 4 days without an issue with a fuel pressure gauge hooked up.
Fuel pressure was always within the range.

Eventually agreed to change the Throttle Body out. Ford had issues early on and have an updated version.
He installed the new one, have started 8-10 times now.
Will see how it does the next week or so.

Rock Auto has Motorcraft TB for $40 range. If your inclined for DIY.

 

[peterk9]

..................................................

Eventually agreed to change the Throttle Body out. Ford had issues early on and have an updated version.
He installed the new one, have started 8-10 times now.
Will see how it does the next week or so.

Rock Auto has Motorcraft TB for $40 range. If your inclined for DIY.

The 2016 Explorer was known for throttle body issues. 2016 Explorer Throttle Body Problems

Peter