Problems starting

[mcv5287]

Hey guys I'm new here. I have a 2001 Explorer XLT 4WD with the SOHC 4.0 6cyl. I have been having problems with it not starting. A majority of the time it will start and run normal but sometimes it wont start. Its does attempt to turn over and I've checked the battery and starter, they're both functioning properly. I initialed suspected water in the tank so I ran a couple bottles of HEET. That didnt work so I replaced the fuel filter, which also didnt work. Its throwing no codes so I'm at a loss here. Any help or ideas you guys have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Jeepeater]

have you tried cycling the key a few times before starting it? you could check the schrader valve on the fuel rail before starting to make sure theres pressure there. you could be looking at a fuel pump possibly.

hope this helps, im new to explorers but i've done my share of fuel pumps and to me thats what it sounds like.

 

[cledusdtrucker]

sounds like the iac
next time it happens push the gas a little and see if that does it

 

[Blee1099]

Could be a failing fuel pump. If you have access to a fuel pressure gauge, attach it to the service port on the fuel rail and see what it runs with the key on and while trying to crank..

 

[TomCat_Ford]

When it doesn't start, how long does it take to get it started? Have you had to use starter fluid to get it going?

 

[JusTheFaxMaam]

Hey, mcv5287, sounds exactly like the problem I'm experiencing here, right now with my '01 2wd XLT 4.0 SOHC. Mine will crank over all day long, but sometimes it starts and runs, and sometimes I have to cycle the key on/off several times to get it to start. I've listened for the whining of the fuel pump, and I could swear that when it doesn't start, I won't hear the fuel pump. Usually, when it does this I'm not somewhere quiet so I can't verify this...

Try swapping the Fuel Pump Relay & PCM Relay with the horn and blower relays to test that possibility, mine was still the same, and seems to be getting worse.

Looks like I'm gonna have to start cutting some sheet metal in the back seat to access the fuel pump to test that end next... I'm betting the fuel pump is crapping out

cledusdtrucker, I thought about the IAC on mine too, but when it doesn't start, it REALLY doesn't start. In my experience if the IAC is sticking, it will still start but run like crap