Help Explorer Problems

[eXplorerchic]

Ok heres the deal for over the past month and half I've been having trouble getting the X to start. When I put the key in and crank it the engine wont fire sounds like its trying too, but it wont. Up until today if I gased it really good it would finally start, but the driving performance was droggy. So she finally went dead yesterday. Took it to our family machanic and they tested the fuel pump and filter, said pressure was low so replaced them both ($500) guh! And guess what it still wouldnt start. Get this though my remote start from my aftermarket alarm still works!? The only way I can get my X going is to start it with the remote start. I have no idea what to do.

Some suggestions from freinds are I should get the keys re-programed (guy at the place where I got the alarm installed said the keys some how lost there programming. Its $150 to re-program a set.

Next was to completely remove the alarm and set it back up stock

Or care it to Ford and get them to hook it up to there computer to pin-point the problem.


Anyways, anyone got any ideas?

 

[Howard]

The fact that it starts ok with the remote would seem to point to a faulty aftermarket alarm system. Or as your friends say a key code issue. Have you tried other keys? I would get the alarm system looked at though.

 

[Wes]

Did you get the ignition switch checked out? I dunno it's odd that the remote will fire it but the ignition won't turn it...sound like ignition switch.

 

[Offrhoder4x4]

I'd look at the ignition switch too, since remote starters bypass the ign. switch to start the vehicle.

Or just disconnect the remote starter and see if it will start with the key. If it still won't start, that points at other problems besides the alarm system.

Sounds like the family mechanic was stumped and would rather throw parts at the truck on your dime than admit that he didn't have a clue. Might be time for a new mechanic.

 

[eXplorerchic]

Yeah it will start with the key if I move the steering column up and down a few times... could it be the wires inside the column?

It also starts if I put the key in, and start it with the remote start.

 

[Cali' Explorer]

Sounds like the ignition switch is going bad, and somehow moving it to the "Start" position makes it not go back to the proper "On" position. Have you tried moving the key around with it running? IE: Move it a tiny bit before "On" and a tiny bit Past. Good be a dead spot in the "On" position contact, or as you say, a loose wire (though a loose wire seems a little less likely to cause this).

 

[CDW6212R]

Ally, funny to see you posting here also, after the other's odd thread(...vagabond's...).

Again if you can find the bypaas module, you can do some testing as I mentioned, without costing you anything. Depending on which keys work, and where, you will pinpoint the problem. Good luck,

 

[eXplorerchic]

any idea where to start looking for the bypass module?

 

[eXplorerchic]

and when I find it what exactly do I do, sorry for all the question this whole things has ticked me off esp after spending $500 for a part I problably didnt need.

 

[CDW6212R]

I didn't ask because I had hoped you knew who installed the alarm. They would be best able to get to it.

If you cannot quickly call the installer, look under the steering column. There is a good chance that it is installed along the column, above a metal plate. To get to that, remove the plastic trim underneath the steering column, the piece is about 12"x20" held on by about four screws, including the hood release bracket screws. With that trim off, you will see a metal plate which covers the lower steering column area. Remove the four bolts that hold it on.

With that metal plate removed, you should be able to identify the wires which are tapped into the main ignition wiring. Unless the installer wanted to really hide that bypass module, it may very well be there also. The bypass module which I just bought is about 2x3x4" in size, with one electrical connector. If you find a simple looking box like that, remove the side off of it, and remove the key.

The bypass modules only function is to read the code from the factory key. The main remote starter control module will have many different electrical connectors on it. Regards,

 

[Howard]

If it starts ok by wriggling the steering wheel up and down then I would say you have a bad connection, probably a bad tap for the remote system. You might see it by just removing the lower and upper plastic pieces around the column.

 

[eXplorerchic]

Thanks guys, I will look into doing this tomorrow, and giving you a update