Starts intermittently

[dpgaddy]

I have a '96 Explorer with 245,000 miles on it. It still runs like a charm. Recently I have had a problem with it not starting. It turns over fine but no spark. The engine doesn't fire up. I can wait an hour or a day and go out and it will start right up. There doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason for when it chooses not to start. I know it is not a fuel problem. It's definetly an electrical problem. Someone suggested to me that it has something to do with the security system? Any ideas?

 

[savagefan]

My 91 has been doing the same thing, it finally threw an 18 code (spout grounded) will dig further this weekend. Does your tach needle move when you're cranking but no start?

 

[tmanstls]

I had the same problem with my 97 Sport. I removed and had the starter tested a few times, replaced the ignition solenoid and battery cables. Ended up being the battery itslef. Also check the connections on the battery and make sure they are not loose and/or corroded.

 

[SusanA]

We had the same problem with our 96 XLT (145,000 miles). After having it towed twice, the Ford dealer finally found that the PCM relay was intermittently faulty and was replaced ($150.00 please). Don't know what it is or what it does but hopefully we are fixed.

 

[jackstraw]

We had the same problem with our 96 XLT (145,000 miles). After having it towed twice, the Ford dealer finally found that the PCM relay was intermittently faulty and was replaced ($150.00 please). Don't know what it is or what it does but hopefully we are fixed.

Was your turning over but not starting? Battery level depleting? Just today my 95 xlt is crapping out on me. Fuel doesn't seem to be the issue because you can smell the gas when the pedal is depressed. I'm thinking it may be the distributor cap/ ignition coils? I'm relatively new to Explorers, i've enherited this from my girlfriend.NEED SOME HELP