Engine cranks but won't start.

[peraza1978]

Hello everyone!!!

I've been serching on the forums for the symptoms that my 1997 4wd explorer have but can find much, so here it is. 3 days ago I changed the engine oil and filter of the truck and everything went smooth. I started it on the first try and fired up; everything was fine. Later that night I went and checked the air filter and since is a bit rough to get the filter out with just the clips I removed the 4 bolts of the MAS and inspected the filter. Wraped things up and finished. The next day when I was getting ready to go to work the truck would crank but not start. The only way it stays running is if i press the pedal and it will run until I release it. White smoke comes out of the exaust and a strong smell of gas from the engine.

I have checked the sensor conectors of the MAS and seems fine. Engine Oil level is good. When I put the key on the "on" position I can hear all the electrical components in the engine engaging. Got a check engine scantron and no codes were found. Starter and fuel filter were changed about 6 months ago. I'm not sure if it is a vacum leak or any sensor malfunction, and since no codes were present I have no idea where to continue looking.

All the suggestions are welcomed and really appreciated.

 

[Jager]

Disconnect your Battery for 30 minutes, and see if your problem persists. Sometimes, disconnecting your MAF will engage the engine service, and cause things to go a bit wacko.

Either reset your computer using a code reader, or disconnect your battery for 30 minutes (mayb more?)

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I've moved your thread into the stock 95-01 section. Check the sensing wires in the MAF to see if one of them broke.

 

[peraza1978]

Thanks again for the help.

I checked the MAF conector wires and look gook and had the battery disconeted all day long; still wont start. I will try again with the scantron and reset all the codes.

 

[llabourdeth]

I had a problem like this a few weeks ago. The car wouldn't start start unless I pushed the gas pedal, then would die if I tried to idle. I cleaned and lubricated the throttle body and that did the trick. Starts and runs fine.

 

[Jager]

I got my throttle body replaced today. I was so excited to spend $300. Now I gotta waterproof my intake and basically my entire car. I didn't realize it wasn't ready for winter Offroading, and had to pay a hefty sum to figure that out.

And I had the same problem. My TPS and throttle actuator were shorted out. But mine was from water damage. My maf needs replacingtoo

 

[peraza1978]

Thanks for the throtle body clean up tip, appartently that was the problem and may be one of the sensors near the intake (probably the one on the throtle body). A little of carburator cleaner and an extra set of hands crank and fired up the engine. It had a little of carbon build up, we cleaned it up a little, started the engine and press the pedal for a couple of minutes at 2,000 rpms more or less, just enough to avoid the engine to stall. It took us around 10 to 15 minutes to bring it back to life, and so far its been working good.

Thanks everybody, the help was really appreciated.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update! Only use fuel injection approved intake cleaner that's O2 sensor safe.

 

[YBCold]

is it possible the fuel pump emergency shut off tripped for whatever reason?

 

[entitledg]

...A little of carburator cleaner and an extra set of hands crank and fired up the used engines and the rebuilt engines...

Good to know it didn't take long to fix the problem. Whichever thread solves problems so soon definitely have some experts.