My explorer died the other day. Help please!

[the_tool_man]

Hi all:

I was out running some errands on Friday. My X had been running fine all day. After my last stop, I got in and tried to start it. It turned over, and would catch, but died right away. I was finally able to get it running by holding the gas pedal down a little. After 10 seconds of that, it would run, but the idle pulsated between 400 and 900 RPM, with it trying to die. I immediately checked for a loose vacuum hose or electrical connector, but didn't spot any. I drove it home, but I couldn't push the gas pedal much beyond 1/4 inch or so without it stalling. Also, the catalytic converters started stinking pretty badly.

This did not happen immediately after refueling, but the consensus among my car mechanic buddies is that I got some bad gas, and the fuel filter is clogged. I'm planning on replacing the filter tonight when I get home. What else might it be?

Thanks in advance,
John.

 

[aldive]

Did you get a CEL?

 

[the_tool_man]

Hi aldive:

Forgot to mention that. No check engine light. I figure this rules out things like the MAF and TPS sensors. I'm also wondering if it's the fuel pump, but I would think the engine would quit completely in that case. I'll try the filter and see what happens.

Regards,
John.

 

[aldive]

Check the fuel pressure.

 

[the_tool_man]

Hi all:

I'm pretty sure it's the fuel filter now. Went to replace it last night. Replacement filter was the wrong kind (serves me right for going to Advance to get it). Went back to Advance to exchange it. Lackey behind counter insists he gave me the right one (even though it had an extra connection and was the wrong size). I get my money back and go to NAPA. Get what looks like the right filter and go home. Spend 45 minutes trying to get the fuel lines off the filter, but they won't budge. Drive it over to my mechanic buddy's house and he takes it off. Find out that the factory fuel filter has different size ends, so second replacement won't fit, either. Clean out old filter with carb cleaner - lots of black gunk comes out. Reinstall old filter. Runs great afterward. I'll go back to NAPA on the way home tonight for the third replacement. If they can't get it, I'll just have to go to the Ford dealer. I drove the Explorer to work today, and it's running fine. I'm running a couple of doses of fuel system cleaner through it, and will replace the filter next weekend.

Regards,
John.

 

[lonestar]

It shouldn't be that hard to find. I got one at Wal-mart.

 

[provincelander]

Check your IAC valve

My 98 did the same thing- just drove back from Cape Cod, shut it off, then it acted up when I tried to start it. The IAC was in need of a cleaning. It would catch, then stall, unless I gave it gas to run above idle.

 

[the_tool_man]

My 98 did the same thing- just drove back from Cape Cod, shut it off, then it acted up when I tried to start it. The IAC was in need of a cleaning. It would catch, then stall, unless I gave it gas to run above idle.

Hi provincelander:

Didn't you get a "check engine" light when that happened? I would think you would. If not, I'll get a look at it next weekend, as I plan to clean the intake anyway.

Regards,
John.

 

[provincelander]

I cant remember, but it seems I did. I just rapped the IAC w/ a hammer handle, and it cleared up, so the next day, I took it off and cleaned it good. What happens is that the valve gets gummed up and sticks. Rap it and see what happens.