Need some help with a diagnosis

[MoparMatt72]

97 Explorer Sport - Won't turn over. It cranks and cranks and tries until the battery is dead, but it never turns over. I've even jumped it with another car so the battery wouldn't die, and it never catches. I'm not sure if it's the fuel or the spark, and what to do to check either. This is my girlfriends' means of transportation to work, and I need to fix it quickly. Any help or suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Go to the search and type in "no start" There are a number of nice step-by-step write ups on how to test and find the cause.

 

[MoparMatt72]

So i should assume it's the fuel pump or fuel filter?

 

[drdoom]

Have you checked the inertia switch?
And do you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key to ON?

 

[yavapaires]

This is kinda dangerous, but, if you are careful and cover the schrader valve on the fuel line with a rag, you can push open the shrader valve after you turn the key on, and back off. If you have fuel, you will know the pump is at least working. BE CAREFUL. I am sure a lot of guys will cringe at this. DO NOT TRY IT WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING!!!!!! If you have fuel then you will know it is spark related.

 

[MoparMatt72]

Yeah, I checked the inertia switch, it's not tripped. After reading a lot of similar posts, I figured that would be the easiest to check. I'm not sure what i'm listening for as far as the pump is concerned though.

 

[drdoom]

Pull the gas cap, have a helper go in the cab and turn the key to ON...you should hear the pump run for a second or so.

 

[MoparMatt72]

Cool, i'll try that when my lady gets home. So if it doesn't run, obviously I have a bad fuel pump... What if it does run? What should I look at next?

 

[drdoom]

If the pump does not run, you may want to see if there is a relay or fuse for it, and check those electrical items, so they can be eliminated as possible faults. Sorry, Bro, I know that is pretty vague...hopefully someone more knowledgeable will post up. Try some searching here also.

If it does run, you may benefit from a fuel pressure check. Next would probably be a compression check.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2352806

 

[MoparMatt72]

I appreciate it... The pump does come on when you put the key in the "on" position. So, I guess i'm going to replace the filter and see if that helps. I don't think it's been changed in over 60k miles anyways. Thanks for the help.

 

[slackgt]

The following words are either very common, too long, or too short and were not included in your search: no,this is what happens when you put no start in the search,over 44,000 posts come up

 

[RomeovilleIL]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2352806

Follow the information in the link