Cranking, but won't run

[Seth Bostic]

I have a 2001 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0 4 wheel drive. Wouldn't start, just crank and crank. Checked the fuel filter and it was clogged up, so I replaced it. Still wouldn't start. Checked the pressure coming from the fuel pump and it was weak, so I replaced it. After that, it started and ran for about 10 seconds and died, wouldn't start back. Checked the spark plugs and the smelled of gas. Replaced them and it did the same thing, started and ran for about 10 seconds and died. Now it just cranks. Any ideas or thoughts?

 

[koda2000]

Try wiggling the wire connector on the crank position sensor. It sounds like you don't have spark. The crank position sensor controls spark.

I had a '97 Sport that would do what your's is doing once or twice a year. I replaced the fuel pump (assuming that after 265,000 miles it had failed) but my issue was my crank position sensor or its connector. Wiggling the connector always got it going again. I sold the vehicle before ever figuring out which it was, but I'm pretty sure it was the connector.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Turn the key to the run (accessory) position, then place a ratchet or a breaker bar on one of the pulley nuts with a socket. You should hear the fuel pump prime every time you turn the pulley a few degrees. This is one way of testing the CPS.

 

[Seth Bostic]

Try wiggling the wire connector on the crank position sensor. It sounds like you don't have spark. The crank position sensor controls spark.

I had a '97 Sport that would do what your's is doing once or twice a year. I replaced the fuel pump (assuming that after 265,000 miles it had failed) but my issue was my crank position sensor or its connector. Wiggling the connector always got it going again. I sold the vehicle before ever figuring out which it was, but I'm pretty sure it was the connector.

Thank you, I will give that a try.

 

[Seth Bostic]

Turn the key to the run (accessory) position, then place a ratchet or a breaker bar on one of the pulley nuts with a socket. You should hear the fuel pump prime every time you turn the pulley a few degrees. This is one way of testing the CPS.

Thank you, I will give that a try.

 

[koda2000]

Turn the key to the run (accessory) position, then place a ratchet or a breaker bar on one of the pulley nuts with a socket. You should hear the fuel pump prime every time you turn the pulley a few degrees. This is one way of testing the CPS.

Sounds a bit dangerous and may be hard to hear the FP prime this way, especially if you working by yourself.

My way of testing spark is to take an old spark plug and pull any convenient spark plug wire and stick the spark plug in it. Then I take my battery jumper cables and attach one end to the spark plug and the other to the battery negative terminal. Crank the engine and you should see a good spark.

 

[Seth Bostic]

Sounds a bit dangerous and may be hard to hear the FP prime this way, especially if you working by yourself.

My way of testing spark is to take an old spark plug and pull any convenient spark plug wire and stick the spark plug in it. Then I take my battery jumper cables and attach one end to the spark plug and the other to the battery negative terminal. Crank the engine and you should see a good spark.

Thank you, I will give that a try