Ford Explorer doesn't want to start.

[Valleriani]

I got a Explorer 97' it's been fine cept a minor issues, been driving it about twice a day for about 15-30 minutes. Anyways, today I go and start the engine, and it cranks, however, it does not start at all.

I gave it two good cranks, waited 2-3 minutes, then cranked her two more times, with no go. I stopped then and came up here just now. Curious to know what it might be.

What are some things I can do/try? At least before bringing it to the dealer (Which I'd have to tow again! Darnet!)

Thanks! I know this is a pretty 'generic' question, but I'm stumped.. Are there any specific fuses I should check?

 

[Valleriani]

My bad, by cranking it I mean the car does try to start, but ends up not actually running. (the car turns and you hear it trying to start rather.) Kind of like if there was no fuel in the car, but yeah.. There is!

Maybe a fuel blockage? Not sure where I could check.. Or sparkplugs? Perhaps someone has a better general idea, just wierd that it worked until I parked it and today it dies.

 

[birdhunter14]

starting issue

I am having a similar issue with my 1996 Explorer. While trying to start it have someone bang on the gas tank with a rubber hammer. I t may jar the fuel pump and start. It worked for me yesterday when I was stranded. Now the truck is in my garage but will not start again. Also I am having some other electrical issues. I can not get my interior dome lights to go out unless I disconnect my battery. Any ideas would be helpfull

 

[ghosttrain2]

Try cycling your key on and off several times without cranking. You should here the pump run. Then try to start it .If it starts, have the fuel pressure checked. How old is the fuel filter?

 

[Valleriani]

Try cycling your key on and off several times without cranking. You should here the pump run. Then try to start it .If it starts, have the fuel pressure checked. How old is the fuel filter?

I just got back from doing that.

What I hear is a clicking noise from the passenger side. I'm not sure if thats what it is exactly. However, if your speaking about a humming noise, I'm not sure I hear it, would it be very apparent? I will try again when I go back out and listen more just in case because I was actually doing this before your message.

I also checked the fuel pump turn off switch, which it is not pressable, so I guess that is okay too. Fuses seem fine. Might need to get some quick start and shoot it in.

But how should the sound.. Well, sound like? Loud? Or would I really need to listen?

 

[Valleriani]

Oh the fuel filter.. To be honest. I cannot say, we just got the car a month ago but I have to get it checked out on the 25th for a inspection anyways. I'll have to include checking that too.

Is the fuel filter easy to do? Where is it located on the car?

 

[marragtop]

The clicking you hear may be coming from the fuel pump relay which could be bad. When you turn the key to the ON position, do you hear the fuel pump prime for a second or 2? If not, check the fuel pump relay.

 

[Valleriani]

Cool, I'm guessing the fuel pump relay is near the fuses or?

Is there a way to test them? I have a tester but I'm not to smart with all that yet, fuses are easy but I believe the relays have like 4-5 prongs?

 

[Valleriani]

Update:

I had my g/f turn the key while I listened to the bottom of the car, I can hear it priming, it sounds like a electrical humming noise for about a second or two.

I tried turning it off and on 10 times, then starting the car, but was still the same, it basicly just turned and turned but never fully started.

Wondering if it can be something electrical then instead of fuel wise.. Though I'm wondering about the fuel filter too, but many say that wouldn't stop the car, just make it idle like **** (And the car generally wasn't to begin with.)

 

[budwich]

OK.... now that you heard "the pump"... check else where. When you are cranking, does your check engine light go out???? I suspect with your "nice sohc", you have an ignition problem and not a fuel problem.

 

[Valleriani]

OK.... now that you heard "the pump"... check else where. When you are cranking, does your check engine light go out???? I suspect with your "nice sohc", you have an ignition problem and not a fuel problem.

I will double check tommorrow (11pm now.) I believe the engine light does go out but I'm not too positive. But yeah, will check when I am out tommorrow.

More or less what would be changed here to solve that issue?

 

[96eb96]

Keep your foot on the gas a bit when you crank, lets rule out a stuck IAC. The other thing could be a bad crank position sensor. I believe it is towards the front of the engine and it sits over a toothed wheel.

 

[Valleriani]

Ah okay. I just doubled checked and the ENGINE LIGHT is definatly on during cranking.

As well, I tried pushing down the pedal down and starting, didn't seem to help at all. Dangit. I believe I see the crank sensor however, that could cause a car to fail to start? (New to the truck and everything, so trying to learn myself!)

 

[budwich]

but I don't think that you answered my question...... DOES it go out????

 

[Valleriani]

Oh sorry! Might of worded it wrong.

It does not go out no, simply put though. Ment when I crank or turn it the engine light stays on.

 

[budwich]

congratulations!!! I think you have found your problem..... BUT probably bad news. I suggest that you search for threads on "SOHC". Lots of problems with this engine in the timing domain.... but it could be as "small" as a crank position sensor as you said. Anyways, the light should go out when the PCM has detected a "good signal" coming from the sensor. It appears from your information that it does not get this. It could be just a loose connector, bad sensor, or worse. Start at the loose connector check, then maybe pull the sensor / check / clean, and then pray ($$$$$$).

Good luck.

 

[Valleriani]

Ahh thanks. I'll give it a shot and let you know how it goes. Worse case we bring it in the shop if it isn't the sensor or something similarly easy.

I haven't seen it all yet but is it easy to get too/change? How should I clean it? Special cleaner of some type? Thanks!

 

[Valleriani]

Okay just a question, how difficult is it to remove/get to the plug. I found a quick diagram which I'll include:

Was curious to know.. I am sure I have to take off or move away the airbox/etc. But if I look down is it just below it? Is there any examples or diagrams step by step just in case?

I am new at the whole engine thing But I know about sensors and minor things in generals, just haven't had this truck a whole load of time yet.

 

[Valleriani]

This time when I tried to start it, it sounded like it was about too. I wasn't sure what sensor to get too so I unpluged/replugged all the sensors in the general area of that diagram. It felt like after I released the key, it was about too, but died again. Leads me to think it IS the sensor, I just haven't a clue what one to clean.

After I release the key it basicly made a general second or two longer before shutting down/dying.