Car won't fully turn over

[EndlessMonkeys]

Hi.

Searched a bit and couldn't find this exact problem, so thought I would throw this here and see what could be figured out.

I have a 1999 Ford Exlorer and it's hitting a point where it won't fully start. The engine cranks and will turn over, but it won't stay running at all unless I give it constant gas. This has been happening for a couple of months now. It seems worse during cold/wet conditions (of which there's plenty, living here in Oregon), but it has happened on warm days as well (temps exceeding 90 degrees).

In my searching, it seems like there's an awful lot it could be, but the fuel pump comes up quite a bit. Is this the most probable cause? If so, then wouldn't it just not really work if I was pressing the gas pedal? I've also noticed that it really seems to be come prevalent whenever my fuel is running low (as in around 50 - 60 miles left until empty).

I'm not entirely certain of what to check and, as such, have checked nothing. I've had a fairly recent oil change (about 2 months ago), but not a recent tune-up (been maybe a year or more). I have noticed the car idles a bit rough, but it seems to accelerate just fine when it is running. Not being terribly mechanically-inclined, I'm not really not sure what to check next, so any assistance or insight would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[97xlt4.0]

It sounds like it could be a fuel pump, I guess. Is the Check Engine light on at all?

 

[EndlessMonkeys]

It sounds like it could be a fuel pump, I guess. Is the Check Engine light on at all?

No, check engine light isn't on at all.

And fuel pump does sound likely, especially as this tends to happen more when I'm almost out of gas. But I'm not 100% sure.

 

[97xlt4.0]

Have you changed the fuel filter recently? I think it could be that, too...

 

[EndlessMonkeys]

Have you changed the fuel filter recently? I think it could be that, too...

With some of the other problems I've been experiencing (semi-rough idle, etc), this also sounds like a worthier contender. My guess is that my hitting the gas pedal is pushing with enough force to temporarily overcome any blockages in the filter?

And just looked it up. While it seems like I could do this, am I a total 'tard if I choose instead to let a mechanic handle this one for me?

 

[jaydez]

It sounds like a clogged fuel filter to me. They are less than $10 and take only a few minutes to change if you know what you are doing. Its the cheapest thing to try first to fix it.

 

[chad142]

i have the same problem with my 98 ford ex 4.0 OHV but i have check engine light and it wont ideal at all you have to keep on the gas to keep it running, and im thinking fuel pump and i have done fuel filter, IAC, MAS, and still same problem. Also is there any blow by in your intake manifold? mine has a lot but non in the air fliter(weird)

 

[my98nnj]

If the fuel pump was failing you wouldn't be able to accellerate as it takes more fuel and pressure from the pump to do so.

You have a rough idle. Check for a misfire, leaking intake manifold, bad IACV, EGR system, MAF or any other vacuum leak. Also check spark plugs and wires.

You should confirm that you have proper fuel pressure at idle, use a fuel pressure gauge.

 

[97xlt4.0]

Yeah, a mechanic could do it...although I think the labor charges might cost more than the part. IIRC, the fuel filters on these are on the frame rail, drivers side...at least the '95-'01 era Explorers. Clackamas isn't far from me, if you need a hand, PM me.

 

[EndlessMonkeys]

Yeah, a mechanic could do it...although I think the labor charges might cost more than the part. IIRC, the fuel filters on these are on the frame rail, drivers side...at least the '95-'01 era Explorers. Clackamas isn't far from me, if you need a hand, PM me.

yeah, found a walkthrough on the site. It does seem like it's something I should be able to do. I'll let you knpw; thanks for the offer!