where to start to start

[John Norton]

Hello everyone, i am a newbie so here goes. I picked up a 1996 explorer 2 dr sport with the 4.0 4x4. a brief history on the truck, I was told the truck would die on them after running a few miles and if they would let it sit then it would start again. the last time it died they had it towed home. and someone had told them it was the fuel pump so they just parked it. i was going to give them 100 for it but the night before i was to pick it someone broke into it and stole the stereo so they just gave me the title for it. I towed it home pulled the battery cables and charged the battery. The next day I connected the battery to see if it would start, the headlights,tail lights and running lights were on and would not turn off. I turned on the ignition key to listen for the fuel pump, the pump sounded normal but i had no fuel to the fuel rail.
i then charge the battery again and turned the ignition key and everything was the same except the wipers made half a sweep and stopped. the price was right (i think) the truck is in great shape with only 167000 miles on it so any ideas on where to start. Thanks

 

[J_C]

You could have several problems, two of which could be simple things like battery shot or out of fuel.

When you hear the fuel pump run, is fuel escaping the fuel line somewhere, or possibly a rare condition like complete fuel filter blockage? How long had it sat parked? How long had it sat with a discharged battery? It seems like after the first time you charged it, there shouldn't have been enough drain to need to charge it again if the battery were good. I would monitor battery voltage while trying to start it and/or under the load of having the headlights on.

When you turned the ignition key, you did not turn it all the way, or you did and the starter didn't engage?

Are you aware that there may be a mirror-mounted slider and light sensor controlling the headlight function and a timed turn-off feature?

 

[bigred4x4]

As for the fuel id second the fuel filter as it's cheap and wouldn't hurt to change anyway.

 

[John Norton]

Thank you for responding so quickly. I do not know how long it sat with a dead battery, at least 3 months. When I turned the key and heard the fuel pump I tried to start it several times before I checked the valve on the fuel rail. I recharged the battery because the lights were on for a good 2 hours while i was checking fuses and cranking it to see if it would start. I wanted to have a full battery till I solved the headlight issue. It has fuel, I put 10 gallons in it before I tried to start it.I will monitor the battery voltage and see what it dose. I did not know about the mirror mounted light sensor and I don't believe I have ever heard of a slider. Can they be disconnected or jumped with a jumper to see if that solves the lighting issue? If so where would I find a good wiring diagram? I will change the fuel filter and get back to you guys on my results. Again thank you

 

[bigred4x4]

There rear view mirror will have a slider on the front of it and a wire going up into the console my 97 had that feature if it's just a regular mirror then I would check the switch I had to replace my headlight switch to the left of the steering wheel because my headlights would no longer come on also check for fuse and relay diagram and just go to a salvage yard and pull those items as you'll probably get them for next to nothing.

 

[John Norton]

with the battery fully charged and the lights still on i have 12.75 volts. when i hit the starter it drops to 10.75 then back to 12.75.
on a good note i solved the headlight problem. i pulled the headlight switch connector and they stayed on, so i switched relays under the hood and that was the problem there. i still have the issue with not getting fuel to the fuel rail. any more advise?
thanks for all your help

 

[bigred4x4]

Have you changed the filter? If the pump kicks on then id start there. There like $10 and not hard to change you will need a tool though but there cheap. And voltage drop when the starter pulls all that amperage during an engine start is normal it's a large load on the battery.

 

[J_C]

Get a fuel filter. Disconnect the line from it on the tank side. Turn the ignition key. If you're getting fuel just replace the filter. If you're not, check the fuel relay, measure for voltage on its input (socket pin) and output (wire to fuel cutoff switch) and/or swap another of the same type relay (in same power distribution box) into the fuel relay location and try again.

If the pump still isn't working there is a slim chance the fuel cutoff switch has failed (theory, but I've never seen anyone actually have this problem without a wreck), or ultimately you might need a new fuel pump - yet you reported hearing the pump which is why I suggested the filter.

Another thing you might do is have a helper pressing in the fuel rail pressure valve while turning the ignition key, in case fuel is making it up to the rail but the fuel rail pressure regulator has failed which is why you're not seeing fuel pressure there after the fact. You can try this and check power and relay before messing with the filter. I would since everything rusts here and that can make a filter more of a PITA to me than in some climates. If nothing else I have to wear goggles and I hate wearing goggles.

I assume when you're trying to start it, that the starter is cranking the engine good?

 

[roscoe 0202]

when my bronco II started to quit running after it warmed up it was the fuel pump.
roscoe