Issue with hard starting 97 XLT

[johnnyshore]

Hey all, I've got a situation that I'm hoping someone might have an answer to..

The other day my 97 XLT Explorer (4.0 OHV, 113,000 miles) wouldn't start...the motor would turn over, but would not fire. Only after several attempts would the truck start, and then it would start like there was no problem.

Well, today I noticed that the truck will start, but only after the "check engine" light comes on with the key in the "on" position. If I attempt to start the truck and it will not fire, turn the key to the "off" position, then back to the "on position and wait for the "check engine" light to come on (takes anywhere from 10-60 seconds for the light to come on), the truck will immediately start.

Any suggestions??? Maybe the EEC or some other ignition control module? confused:

Thanks!!

Johnnyshore
Hopkins, MN:

 

[johnnyshore]

Easy fix

Man, talk about an easy fix. It just took two of us to find the problem.

Inside the main fuse box near the brake master cylinder there's a bunch of relays. One of them was making a clicking sound when the "check engine" light was coming on (sporatically).

We took it out, pulled the black plastic cover off of it, and found out that the contacts were a bit corroded. We used a little contact cleaner that we clean the electric motors with on our R/C cars and some very fine grit sand paper to clean the contacts, and reinstalled it.

Works like a charm, and it didn't cost a penny.

 

[kEVINS]

You da MAN!

 

[johnnyshore]

Who's da man?

No, YOU da man