newb with starting problems

[Grey02GT]

Hey newb here on the forums. Just purchased my second Explorer. A 97 XLT.

I have had for 3 days now, and I go to start it this morning and it wont fire up. It keeps cranking but just doesnt want to catch. I took it on a trip this weekend and it fired up everytime, so I am baffled that it wouldnt start. The temp got below 0 last night, not sure if that would cause anything. Anyone have these problems before or anyone have any suggestions. Any help is appreciated

 

[Turdle]

When you first switch key to "on" position, listen for the fuel pump to run for 1-3 seconds--listen near the fuel filler area, with door open.You should hear a small electric motor sound.
Do you also see the check engine light illuminated? It should be with key on engine off.

 

[Grey02GT]

I thought I heard the pump, but it could have been me just being annoyed and didnt listen. Will check both of those tonight. Is it possible it will be an easy soluiton

 

[Grey02GT]

Update: checked for fuel pump, sounds like it is working, I heard a short whir sound but still questioning it. Also CEL is on when Key is in On position and engine off (obviously, wont start). Any suggestions

 

[Turdle]

OK
Is it by chance low on fuel ( less or around 1/8 tank), and parked pointed downhill?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Did you troubleshoot the ECT sensor? Here is a chart:

 

[NHale623]

Pull the code(s)?

 

[Grey02GT]

It is on level ground with about over a 1/4 tank of gas. Havent pulled the codes yet. If the ECT sensor was bad, would that casue the engine not to fire?

 

[BrooklynBay]

The ECT will control the mixture, so it will be either too rich, or too lean if it's out of spec. This could cause hesitation, a flooded engine, or possibly a no start condition.

 

[Grey02GT]

Now, I am mind boggled. Its hasnt started for two days, and last night I decided to try it, it fired right up, drove it around, no heisitation, no signs of anything wrong.

Parked it outside last night, tried it this morning and no go.

Now I am kinda confused, what could the weather screw with to not make it want to start.

 

[tenistony]

I have the exact same problem. Never starts in the morning, but in the afternoon its fine. Starts right up. I am so damn confussed

 

[tenistony]

Starting problems as well

Hello, Great site and I have learned alot, but here it is.
1996 explorer. Won't start. Cranks but nothing. At first I thought it was the Fuel Relay, I replaced it and it worked for a day,. then back to not starting. Here is the odd thing, It doesn't want to start in the morning, but usually in the afternoon. Sometimes the I hear the relay and pump start when I turn the ignition on, sometimes no sound. I do have pressure at the shrader valve. What else could it be?
Help as its stranded 20 miles from where I am at.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you notice the absence of a check engine light when it won't start, and you don't hear the fuel pump prime? It could have a bad PCM relay.

 

[tenistony]

Its odd, Sometimes the pump primes, and some times I don't hear anything.
Why would it be the PCM?

 

[tenistony]

Oh, and the check engine light come on when trying to start it, cranking. When I have gotten it started, its off. No codes no nothing.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The fuel pump can't turn on if the computer isn't going on.

 

[tenistony]

I will give it a shot and let you know.
Thanks so much. Fingers crossed.

 

[caveman55]

I had a similar problem some time ago. Condensation at night was enough to mess up the ignition system. I sprayed down the cap and coil with wd40 to displace the moisture and it fired right up. Ended up replacing the cap and plug wires. Good luck.

 

[tenistony]

still not working. Now the pump isn't engaging. Before I change the pump out, could it be the PCM relay?

 

[BrooklynBay]

You could check to see if it's the relay if you bypass it with a jumper wire.