Help,explorer won't start!!

[jwgeetar]

hey all. i was in here a coupla weeks ago about my radio display/clock not working on my 98 explorer. last night for some reason---my display started working. i went,great! this morning when i tried to crank my truck, it would not start. the starter cranks big time but the engine is not going anywhere.

i'm troubleshooting the fuse's right now. any other suggestions? this may be a sensor or controller or ???? HELP!! i need to get to work.

BTW, i bought my 98 explorer used with 85,000 miles on it. thanks,jw

 

[jwgeetar]

well i went back out and tried again holding the accelerator all the way to the floor. it took a coupla times but it started. anybody know of whats going on? whats fixing(or already is) to go out? i bought this truck 2 months ago and it hard started about a month ago but not this bad. thanx ahead,jw

 

[Alec]

Most likely a fuel system problem. If the truck runs fine, then it's probably the fuel pump relay.

 

[Soundguy01tx]

You could check the starer and alternator too... seems early for them too be goofy, but you never know...

 

[jwgeetar]

i heard about the scanner someone was using to diagnose problems. do i need to do this?

 

[Alec]

The scanner will only help if the check engine light is on. It's most likely not on with only a starting problem. Check your fuel pump relay as I suggested earlier. It's most likely not your electrical system if the starter cranks; it's either fuel or spark related.

 

[jwgeetar]

thanks. yea i just got back from autozone and they scanned it anyway and it did not contain a code.they said i needed to go to the dealer. headed that way shortly.
BTW,is there an easy way to check the fuel relay? and where's it at? so far,i haven't invested in a manual yet.jw

 

[jwgeetar]

oh well,scratch the dealer it would be 2 days there. my local mechanic doesn't think it's the fuel pump but maybe the fuel filter. he also said the fuel relay switch is either on or off so thats not it. he said when you turn the key on,thats the point the fuel is sprayed to be ignited. he told me turn the key over 3 or 4 times without cranking the starter---then try starting.if it don't start then, then it's the fuel filter clogged up---he thinks.

hmmmm? my local mechanic said he could do a total diag test for $55,both electric and fuel.THEN---i start paying the big bucks if i can't do it myself. anybody know of any online 98 ford explorer manuals?jw

 

[jwgeetar]

ok this is getting weird!, just left to go get a manual and cranked and no start. so,i put my original dealership ignition key back in and it started---everytime.

for a lil background on this,last night i put my truck key "copy" on my keychain cause it took up less space. thats the one i used when it would not start this morning. so i went back to the orgiinal key and it starts everytime

now wait a minute,am i nuts or does my 98 explorer not like my key copy? has this ever been an issue with fords---or explorer's?

 

[Alec]

There ya go! I think the keys have a chip in them or something, your alternate key is faulty.

 

[aldive]

It appears that the chip in the key you were using is bad, Go to the dealer qith the good key and get a new spare made.

Good luck......

 

[jwgeetar]

yup,you are correct alex. chip in the key.dealership just confirmed it. it will have to have a spare key from ford and inputting the code. it takes an hour at around $70.

what a bunch of crap.good thing i never lost my original or i'd be **** outa luck.problem is, i only got one key!

thanks all for the help.