My 2004 Explorer won't start

[MichelleD]

It cranks, but will not turn over. I have fuel pressure and spark. It cranks fine, tries to start and dies. Earlier today, we washed the engine, drove it home, and parked it for a while. Then about an hour or 2 later, ran a couple of errands in it with not problems. Then went to move it and it would not start. The "wrench" light came on as well as the "Check Gages" light. I just bought the vehicle and just before this happened, I tried changing the keyless entry code on the keyless entry pad by using the owners manual instructions, but did not have any luck. I'm really hoping someone out there has had an experience similar to this and can help me in finding out what I can do to fix it.

 

[Mr. Nick]

Might be...

That you washed your engine and there's water/condensation buildup trapped someplace and it's interfering with your electrical.

I'd suggest pulling the boots off the spark plugs (one at a time) and blowing compressed air inside. Do this to the master fuse block, alternator and anywhere else where water could be trapped.

Did you use a pressure washer to clean the motor? Maybe a hose or electrical line came undone?

Last of all, check your idle control valve. It may be fouled with something. You'll have to look for a post here showing you what it looks like, but it's easy to remove. Clean it with gumout, let it air dry then reattach.

Good luck!

 

[MichelleD]

Thanks Mr. Nick

Thanks for the insight Mr. Nick.

We checked the codes...it gave 1 throttle sensor pedal code. It had 3 codes for the throttle actuator, forced idle code on 1, stuck open on one and stuck closed on one. Have double checked all connectors and all is dry. Do these throttle motors go bad often...has a lot of other people had to change one?
When I turn the ignition key in the on position, it clicks a few times...is that normal?

 

[MichelleD]

It's running now!!!

OK...Here's what I discovered...The codes I was able to get were...P2106, P2135, P2104 and P0121 plus a couple of other codes...so I googled the codes and found out that it was all related to the TPS. According to one site, the P2106 and P2135 pertain to vehicles built 11/29/04 and prior. After replacing the TPS I got from a local auto parts store for $75.00, it started right up.