New Member Looking for some HeLp...

[Exp Airman]

Hi Everyone!
I am the owner of a '95 Ford Explorer XLT with 150K+ miles. I love this truck and it has NEVER given me heartaches before... until now! I joined here because someone at my work told me about it and said that you are all a real nice bunch and could help me...

As I stated earlier, I have a problem with my baby. While I was driving home lastnight, I had it on cruise control and was going over some hills. I went over one hill and it felt like the cruise control was giving up on me and started to die...then it came back on. Again, I was going up a hill and started to die out on me, so I hit the gas and nothing happened...then it was fine for the rest of the way home...that was about 9pm. At about 12 midnight I got called to work (in the military)... I ran out to the truck and went to start it... Didn't move... It wants to turn over but it's not... it makes the normal noises like it's going to start but never does. I tried pushing on the gas and nothing happens. It's definately not the battery... I had a few people from work come over and look at it and they said it's not the battery/starter/ignition... They informed me that it's the fuel pump/fuel filter. They said that if I replace that...it should be fine. I'm not very knowledgeable about cars (Aftermarket parts, yes...but fixing...no). They got under the car and bang a few things and we got nothing...
I notice by the threads that a lot of people have fuel pump/filter problems... Is this what it is? Also...if it is...is there a description/instruction on how to change the fuel pump/filter? As I stated earlier, I don't know anything about this, so please be gentle (haha). This is my only car and my family and I are now grounded in the house...so it's imperative that I get my baby fixed ASAP! Thanks in advance for any/all of the help you can give me!!!!

 

[Exp Airman]

It's a 4.0 2WD...don't know if this matters or not... Auto Tranny...

 

[IZwack]

It really does sound like a fuel delivery problem - as your friends suggested.

If you get underneath the vehile (under the fuel tank) and have a friend put the key in the ignition, turn it but NOT start the vehicle, you should hear a small whining noise emanating from the tank - thats the fuel pump turning. So if you hear that, then the pump is operating. You have to be in a quiet environment though as the whine/buzz is faint.

As for the filter, its not difficult to change - although a special tool is required. Search the forum and you'll find a few threads on fuel filter replacement - as well as a few cautions (removing pressure from the lines).

 

[Doug]

Like Izwack suggest, check and make sure you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to on. Check the fuel cutoff switch under the dashboard on the passenger side and make sure the red button on the top is pushed down. I'm willing to bet it's an issue with the fuel pressure regulator or the fuel pump relay. Do a search for both of those and you should get the info you need. If you do have to drop the tank it's really not that bad, I had to do it once and of course it's easier if the tank is mostly empty.

 

[Exp Airman]

My friends got under the car and turned the key earlier (prior to banging things)...he then went to crank the car over... He tried to drop the tank but he said that I need a special tool from advance (as you suggested). I'll get under it again tonight with my wife when it's quiet and kids aren't outside...and see if I hear that sound... So you're saying that it's easy to change the fuel pump/filter? That should do it? It's worth a try...from what I read from everyone else on the forum, a lot of individuals are having problems with fuel pumps...and once they change it they are good to go. I hope this is the issue with mine... So the fuel cutoff switch should be push down before I go under the car and drop the tank...or should it be pushed down all the time? Sorry for my stupidity...but I am seriously new at this whole "fix it yourself" thing... I usually have new cars with a warranty...but being in the military and with 2 children...I have to do it myself... Thanks for your help and I'll let you know tonight what I find out...

 

[Doug]

The switch on the fuel relay cutoff should always be down, it shouldn't ever trip unless your in an accident but it's possible for it to trip accidentally. Before you go dropping the tank and pulling things apart check the fuel pressure regulator and the fuel pump relay. Do you have a car craft shop on your base? If so you might want to go down there and ask them what they thing, most of the time they're pretty knowedgable. Also get yourself a haynes or chiltons manual, it will walk you step by step through how to replace whatever is the problem.

 

[Exp Airman]

Okay...changed the fuel filter...went to crank it over and it still isn't starting... Do I need to do something after installing the filter (remove the negative cable to the battery?)? I don't know what else to do... Please help me... Where's the fuel pressure regulator and fuel pump relay? I can't go anywhere, as the car is dead... Thanks for the information in advance...