trouble starting? is it the fuel pump?

[Brownpsu78]

My 01 ford explorer with the 4.0 has trouble starting

I can hear it turning over multiple times, it sounds as if there is no fuel in the lines?

it sounds strong , but its almost as if it has pull the fuel through the lines?

 

[swshawaii]

Did you check the fuel cutoff inertia switch? Many threads. GL

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242889

 

[koda2000]

to have an engine run, you need 3 things. fuel, air and spark. you need to figure out which one you're missing. can you hear the pump run when you turn the key to the ON position? if so, then check for spark. if not, check fuses and swap the fuel pump relay with another similar relay. also check the inertia switch found on the passenger side kick panel, under the dash. if that all checks out okay, the final check would be to check for power and ground to the fuel pump. if the wiring checks out, then the problem is you're fuel pump. there's no other way to know.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Okay Ill check,
It does actually turn over. It just takes a holding the key to start for like 4x the normal time.

My issue doesnt sound like the inertia switch. Its more like when you are trying to start the SUV it takes and extra 10 seconds for the cylinders to actually fire.

 

[koda2000]

in that case, my money would be on the fuel pump. i just changed the one one my 2000 Mountaineer 2 weeks ago. wasn't to hard to do on a rust-free vehicle. even if the pump is okay, the rubber hose connecting the pump to the assembly can leak. if you're going to go into the tank, just go ahead and change the pump and sock.

edit: you'll need to put in a fresh fuel filter too. i see you're in connecticut, in that case you may have rust to deal with. the other method is to cut a hole in the floor (there's a Sticky on how to do it). there's only 3 bolts that hold the tank in. two at the front and one on the strap.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Update:
I brought It too the shop they check the fuel pressure, spark, fuses , relays and told me it was vapor lock caused by ethonal, he gave the SUV back and no charge.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Sorry for the broken english, I blame the IPhone.

 

[imp]

EFI "Vapor Lock"

Update:
I brought It too the shop they check the fuel pressure, spark, fuses , relays and told me it was vapor lock caused by ethonal, he gave the SUV back and no charge.

Vapor Lock is very rarely an issue with EFI systems, due to the high operating pressure used.

imp

 

[koda2000]

Vapor Lock is very rarely an issue with EFI systems, due to the high operating pressure used.

imp

i agree, i haven't heard that term used on at least 30 years, but if his problem's fixed and they didn't charge him anything, why not. a lot of mechanics are just wise-***** and will tell you something like that instead of telling you what they really did to fix the problem.

 

[Brownpsu78]

On days below freezing the SUV still has trouble firing up. The issues came back, but if it stays warm it won't be an issue.
As a note it throws the gas cap code every few moths.
Of course I already bought a new gas cap from ford.

 

[drdoom]

Brown, what I would start with would be one bottle of StarTron, as per the instructions on the package. When that bottle is used up, replace your fuel filter. Then add about four ounces of Marvel Mmystery at each fillup for a while. I know this sounds like some snake oil BS but it can't hurt, and really helps the fuel system recover from the effects of ethanol residue.

 

[Brownpsu78]

Okay I'll give it a try