Won't Start, Stranded

[topcat]

My 1994 explorer v-6 was running fine. I stopped at a store and when I came back out to start, it would not start. It tries to start but doesn't. Acts like maybe a car that is not getting enough fuel to start. It is half full of gas. Recently, two months ago had similar problem. I changed the fuel filter and had no other problems until now.

 

[marragtop]

When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear the fuel pump run for a second or 2. If not, then the pump is not pumping. This could be a bad fuel pump relay/fuse, inertia switch, or the fuel pump itself. Start with the simple stuff like the relay/fuse.

 

[94bauer]

Definitely start with the fuel pump relay and/or the EEC relay. You can switch these with the A/C relay for testing purposes. I had the same problem with my 94, it would not start when it was warm but it started and ran fine when cold.

 

[jimbo74]

we have the same problem with our 96... i tracked it down to the fuel pump relay...... when it doesnt start, i open the hood, take the cover off the fuse box and smack the relay a couple times.... then it starts....

 

[CDim30]

My 98 XLT V6 SOHC will start when its cold, but any restart inside 10 minutes doesn't happen when the engines warm. It tries to turn but just won't go... Both times I was low on gas.. 1st time it fired up with gas right away, next time yesterday, I filled 1/2 tank, then it finally went after about 10 minutes...

I checked the plugs, which are sparking... and the fuel pressure is there from the check with a screwdriver pushing down on the nozzle. I'm not sure at what efficiency the pressure is running though, could be low. If I'm not mistaken, 40psi+ is adequate, 70psi is stable? I'm replacing spark plugs anyway, and a new air filter.

Battery is good, no check engine light, I have to think its an intermittent fuel pump problem. Should I install the new pump and see what I get, or are there easier things that should be checked like fuses, etc.? Might it be a bigger problem and is it worth a diagnostic to check codes?

Thanks a lot...
Chris