posted wrong place..ect sensor bypass??

[whatsmyname]

my 97 explorer xlt wont start.its gotten really cold.weve checked battery,spark,fuel,its getting all.it tries to start but sounds like its flooding.i heard this could be a bad ect sensor.there are 2 sensors on radiator hose housing;1 to the gauge,1 to the computer.can i unplug the computer one or put a jumper wire on to trick it into starting to see if that is the problem,or is it something else?

 

[2000StreetRod]

ect sensor check

Which engine do you have?

The PCM checks the engine coolant temperature (ECT)sensor to verify its output is in the operating range. If its shorted or open a DTC will be set and the PCM will use a default value. You can test the ECT sensor with an ohmmeter. Disconnect the electrical connect and read the resistance across the sensor. The table I have only goes down to 50 degrees F and the reading should be 58.75KOhms. The colder the temperature the greater the resistance should be.

To test if the engine is flooding when you try to start, hold the accelerator to the floor to tell the PCM the engine is flooded. The PCM will disable the fuel injectors to clear the flooding. If it starts better then you may have leaking injectors. They could be stuck open or the fuel pressure regulator could be faulty.

Have you cleaned the MAF sensor and IAC valve recently? Is the air filter dirty? Has it been more than 30,000 miles since you replaced the fuel filter?

 

[whatsmyname]

awesome thanks.i have the 4.0.i will try all that in the morning!