No Run/Idle After Driven-96 4.0 Explorer

[RojoBlanco]

I have a frustrating problem: Six months ago I drove my Explorer to the market and when ready to leave it would not idle. When I cranked, it sputtered and died several times. Finally, it just cranked and refused to start. I waited an hour and it started and ran normally. Took to dealer. Dealer said it was fuel filter, although I had just changed it a few months earlier. Dealer cleaned injectors, changed filter and did a fuel pressure check on the pump and said "fixed". Fast forward to today: Drove to another market and no start again when ready to leave. Symptoms just like first time. Started after one hour wait and ran fine. This vehicle has been driven only 1500 miles since the first no-idle/run episode. Vehicle is properly maintained with 130k miles. I'm afraid to drive in traffic. Has anyone had these symptoms and solved the mystery? Thanks. David.

 

[drdoom]

Check the CKP sensor connection just to be sure, but probably what you really need is a new fuel pump.

 

[RojoBlanco]

Check the CKP sensor connection just to be sure, but probably what you really need is a new fuel pump.

Thanks for your input. My gut feeling is that the pump is at fault. I'll try checking the pressure myself a few times and see if I can find a pattern. I'll check the sensor, too. David

 

[drdoom]

Yes David see if you can hear the pump spool up when you turn the key to RUN.

 

[RojoBlanco]

Yes David see if you can hear the pump spool up when you turn the key to RUN.

Good point. I learned long ago to listen for the whir of the pump. It sounds fine and has the same sound as my other explorers. I'm wondering if I have an electronic malfunction after 20 years of operation. The ckp checks out and its connector is fine. I'll continue investigation as I have time. Thanks. David.

 

[96eb96]

Make sure your check engine light comes on when you turn the key. If it don't the computer isn't turned on and you will never start I had older Fords with bad relays that didn't turn the computer and/or fuel pump on. Relays definitely wear out. This problem could very well be intermittent.