Cranks but doesn't catch

[Slow start]

I have a '96 Explorer that for the last 6 - 8 months has upon occasion not started. I have looked for patterns such as fuel level, fuel brand and type, angle of parking, etc. THe battery is brand new. The starter is great and it turns over, it just doesn't start. The only pattern I'm beginning to notice is that it happens gradually. First, I will have a few cranks instead of immediate start. This will eventually turn into refusal to start, but good cranks! That period can last for 15 minutes up to 24 hours. I've exhausted my AutoClub tows and the dealer says $300 - 400 for each of 3 options - fuel injector, fuel pressure regulator, or fuel pump. Ahh. I need to do something quick. I can't be stranded anymore, I have a 4 year old, places to go, and a full tank of gas. Please comment on your experiences with a similar problem. It never happens for the dealer for them to pinpoint the problem, and obviously I am no longer under warranty.

 

[aldive]

Be sure to check the O2 sensors, they little devices can cause all sorts of problems.

See the thread called "Alarm System Woos" for the story i had with a no crank situation and was finnaly traced to a single O2 sensor.

Good luck and please post your resolution of the problem, you will help others in doing this.

 

[TPLYNCH]

Try reading this thread http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=36342

It touches on several causes for your problem, mostly electrical in nature, and how to diagnose. One that isn't mentioned is a faulty Crank Position Sensor.

Good Luck

 

[Slow start]

Thanks for those who replied and referenced the other troubleshooting thread. I'm just a driver and know little about my explorer other than the importance of maintenance. And now I must have found out that the cause could be anywhere from a $5 part to multiple problems listed in my first note. I don't know what a CEL is but from the scattered information I would say my truck is not doing that - it doesn't skip or miss anything, flood or falter when already engaged. I'm going to go for the simplest first, I'm a teacher and that's what we do. Wish me luck because I'm putting the mallet in my truck, too. I should ask the dealer to check the fuse block for me and others for free - when I left it there for diagnosis last month (to no avail) they let my explorer get stolen. Obviously it started for the thief the first time - but not the second. But it is back in my hands now, ready to go - or not!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Slow, CEL = Check Engine Light. Hope that helps. You're right, with Explorers it is always best to check the cheapest/simplest fixes first. A mallet is very handy and supplies the simplest fixes sometimes. You won't go wrong with that plan. I'm not sure if it was explained too clearly, but when you first start the truck, pause at "on" for a few seconds before turning key all the way to "start". That is when you should hear the whine from the fuel pump, meaning it is working. If you don't hear that whine and the truck doesn't start, that means you probably have an electrical problem (i.e. bad relay, wires, etc.). If you hear the whine, but truck doesn't start, then it is more likely an ignition or crank position sensor problem.

Good luck!

 

[Slow start]

Thanks Tom - I have listened now for the fuel pump, or whatever, to engage and know the sound. This mrning I didn't hear the sound, nor did my explorer start. I found a box called the "Main Power Distributor" under the hood, took it for the fuse box, tapped it and my explorer started without a problem. I hope this is really the case. I'm laughing right now and the circumstance, of course, my car started! I'll try the trick one more time, which I'm sure I'll have the opportunity then take it to the dealer. I'll do a final response when I hear from them. I'm going to let Ford know about this situation, too. Do you think someone there will REALLY be interested?! Thanks again.

 

[config]

I am glad that I do know how to get it started once these symptoms appear but I'm now tired of constantly popping up the hood to bang on the 'power distribution box' .

What are the instructions of fixing this permanently? Do I have to take out and disassemble the distribution box all togeher or should I have a competent technician perform this? Thanks ahead for all replies!

 

[TPLYNCH]

You may just need to replace the relay. Start simple!

 

[config]

I've done that already. I guess the problem is whatever the relay gets in contact with is not getting connection all the time. That's why it works after you 'bang' on it with a hammer

 

[TPLYNCH]

If the plate that was mentioned in the other thread I had attached is off center, you may just need to readjust that. I don't know how to do it however. Sorry

 

[Slow start]

For closure to my problem, I ended up having both the relays and the fuel pump replaced. Not a pleasant bill before the holidays, but better than having your car not start! (One day the tapping didn't work - and after it had been such a faithful solution.)