Stranger starting/not starting cycle!?!

[94_explorer]

I've got a 94 Sport, Manual Transmission. Lately I've been having this strange behavior with my truck sometimes not starting for a while. For example, sometimes if I start it and then immediately shut it off, then it won't start for a while. If I leave it and come back later, it'll usually start again. It seems like something is getting tripped maybe. Or perhaps it's a relay? I have an old alarm in the truck that I haven't used for years, but it's still wired in under the dash. Sometimes I think it's related to that, I just don't know. Does this sound like anything familiar to anyone? I would love to be able to fix this problem.

Thanks for looking...

 

[BrooklynBay]

It is possible that your alarm is malfunctioning. I once had that on mine. I just disconnected it, because the disable switch didn't help. I also did that in a neighbor's car, because it would not start sometimes. Try pulling out the fuse, or one of the power wires to the alarm module the next time you have this problem, and see if it starts.

 

[94_explorer]

Hi BrooklynBay,

Yeah, I would like to just remove it, but I've been a little worried that I might screw something up by doing so. I'm not exactly sure what goes where, etc.

 

[Josh]

My truck had that problem and it turned out to be the ICM or ignition control module. It is located on the front radiator support next to the passenger side headlight. It is a black module thats a flat square and the plug is in the ceter and perpendicular to the unit. If it just turns over but does not fire, that would be my guess. If you turn the key and get nothing then I would look at battery cables. You can get that module from a junkyard for probably 15 or 20 bucks, otherwise you will most likely need to go to the dealer and I bet they are spendy. Also when I had this problem, my truck would sometimes not start in the morninr.

 

[94_explorer]

My truck had that problem and it turned out to be the ICM or ignition control module. It is located on the front radiator support next to the passenger side headlight. It is a black module thats a flat square and the plug is in the ceter and perpendicular to the unit. If it just turns over but does not fire, that would be my guess. If you turn the key and get nothing then I would look at battery cables. You can get that module from a junkyard for probably 15 or 20 bucks, otherwise you will most likely need to go to the dealer and I bet they are spendy. Also when I had this problem, my truck would sometimes not start in the morninr.

Ah, ok. I'll look into that. I'll bet you're right about that part being spendy. Yeah, the truck turns over, but it just won't fire. It's strange. Thanks for the tip. I wish there was a way to rule that in or out without having to replace it.

Update. Yeah, you're right. Those things are spendy! Looks like they are around 220 to 240 bucks. I hope that's not the issue!

 

[BrooklynBay]

One time my 88 van wouldn't start. It worked fine the previous night. I replaced the spark plugs, and ignition wires, and it started right up! Pull out one of your wires, and see if a spark jumps to your metal frame when it is cranking over.

 

[94_explorer]

One time my 88 van wouldn't start. It worked fine the previous night. I replaced the spark plugs, and ignition wires, and it started right up! Pull out one of your wires, and see if a spark jumps to your metal frame when it is cranking over.

I've never actually done that. What do you mean by metal frame? You mean like the fender or something?

 

[Josh]

Junkyard should have one. should be less than 30 bucks. If you cant find one local I know a place that has about 8 1st gens.

 

[94_explorer]

Thanks for the tip Josh. If I can get to the local yard I'll see if I can snag one. It may be a little while though. If I need to contact you I will! Thanks for the offer.

 

[Papa]

That will work but anything that represents ground potential just stay away from any of your other electrical circuits and electronics. Remember troubleshooting is a logical process of elimination through divide and conquer supported by verifiable symptoms. Best guess first and work your way down the list.

 

[BrooklynBay]

I've never actually done that. What do you mean by metal frame? You mean like the fender or something?

Any part of the interior of the engine bay that is metal. Keep away from fuel rails! One guy posted in another thread that he jump started one by touching a part near the battery, and the braided fuel rail exploded! He later pointed out that there was some write up about this. If it were such a common problem, I think Ford should have recalled it. Those stainless steel fuel rails are very expensive. He ended up splicing some fitting into it, and used hose clamps to lock the existing lines together. Here is a link to that thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=154041&highlight

 

[94_explorer]

Ok, thanks for the tips and heads up. I'll try to avoid anything too crazy. I want to fix her, not break her more.

 

[94_explorer]

You know, I'm not 100% certain, but I think it could have something to do with the fuel pump and blower relays. I'm going to replace them and see if that may help.

I also scored an ignition module off of ebay for cheap. Considering they cost about 250 or so new, I'll have a good backup for cheap.