Urgent advice needed, please

[kernowman]

I've got a dead Explorer again:thumbdwn: It seems that the intermittent fuel relay fault was not the main cause of my problems last week. Just need one bit of advice rather quickly - with the ignition on, is it possible or not to hear the fuel pump in the tank running? Thanks in advance.
Richard

 

[Rick]

Yes, you should be able to hear the pump whine when you turn the ignition key to on. Off hand I don't recall if it shuts off once it pressurizes the system, or if it continues to run steady.

 

[CDW6212R]

It only runs for a second or so, each time the key is turned on.

 

[BIGHVM]

Info

Does she turn over mate? have you checked the coil pack for output.
Did she not start or die on you this time?

 

[kernowman]

H, exactly the same as last time - turns over and a good spark. Drove home OK last night - no start at all this morning. Surely must be on the fuel side. Too wet, windy and dark to go out and check the pump tonight - will have to wait until tomorrow.

 

[BIGHVM]

Damn

H, exactly the same as last time - turns over and a good spark. Drove home OK last night - no start at all this morning. Surely must be on the fuel side. Too wet, windy and dark to go out and check the pump tonight - will have to wait until tomorrow.

I would take the iac valve off and clean that- when i got mine it idled too fast- around 1200! after cleaning the valve she idles normal, maybe that is not working at all mate. Worth a try as a free fix if it works!

 

[kernowman]

Thanks guys for all the help and advice - much appreciated.
Got fed up crawling around in the wet, so called the AA again for a 'homestart'. Nice guy turned up and in the process of wiggling and tapping the relay/fuse box while I cranked the engine, it started. We still don't know why, but at least it gives me somewhere to look next time, if there is a next time.
The actual relay he thought he tapped at the time it started is the one in the small box next to the main relay/fuse box. There is provision for two relays there, but only one fitted. Any idea what this relay is for? - there is no mention of it anywhere in Haynes or the Explorer user guide. I don't say this relay was definitely the problem, but still would like to know what it does.
Richard

 

[CDW6212R]

Have you swapped any of the relays around in the power distribution box? They are interchangeable, do that any time that you are hunting a power issue.

That being an English model, does it by chance have PATS, which began here in 1998? If you have the large headed ignition key with the chip embedded in it, then it has PATS.

With the PATS the "THEFT" light will come on with the ignition, and go off when the key code is verified. If the key code fails, the "THEFT" light will flash, and the fuel pump is disabled. I have had that issue with my 98, and it went away long ago. The PATS key code is read at each start, and sometimes the receiver or transmitter can fail to get the code to the PATS module.

That's just a thought, I look for that first with a starting issue. Regards,

 

[kernowman]

No, I don't have PATS - sounds like a bit of an overcomplex nightmare to me. Have just a normal key. Have often wondered, though, if the imobilisor does give starting problems by imobilising the engine when it shouldn't.
Certainly a great tip about swapping the relays - didn't realise you could do this. Thanks.

 

[rich uk]

Had exactly the same thing today ....
went through the power dist box's giant fuses then the relays.... the one on its own (with two in front ) is for the fuel pump .
I remembered what Don said ^ and swapped em round (top advise)
didn't help...so i checked for voltage at the pump connector plug (passenger side of the transfer case in front of the tank) had voltage there .. reconnected and it started as if nothing had happened
according to Haynes the pump runs all the time the engine is running and 2-3 secs when on ignition
I couldn't hear the pump run at all ?
strange maybe my pumps on its way out ,
I'm going to change the fuel filter with the upcoming service ..and hope not