wont start

[crazyfoolreal]

the last few days the explorer has been running fine until 5 minutes ago. It started, sputtered and cut off. This has been happening recently and i dont know what to do. I reset the fuel pump and checked the relay. When it cranks it smells like gas but wont stay on. I also checked the spark and it was fine. Now im stranded and need my car.

 

[Blee1099]

Ahh couple things to check.. The fuel filter, the MAF &*IAC sensors. Try cleaning the IAC & MAF sensor.. If that doesn't help pull the fuel filter and replace it.

 

[crazyfoolreal]

where exactly is the fuel filter and how is the best way to clean the sensors.

 

[Kevin Kuiper]

The Fuel Filter is on The Frame Rail under Your explorer..

 

[crazyfoolreal]

what should i be looking for on the filter? and how would i go about changing it.

 

[Kevin Kuiper]

I would say go to Auto Zone and Buy a New One, It should have Two New Clips in it and It could Help U to see it and Then to remove the OLD one!! Make Sure U Install it Correctly, The Flow in the Correct Direction..

As for the Bad one, When U Pull the OLD one U can try to Blow through it and See if U can get any Pressure, But More than Likely, If U have NOT ever Changed it, It NEEDS It!!! Pretty Easy Job, Just Be careful as U are Dealing with Gas!!

 

[engera]

You may want to pick up those little plastic slide ring tools. I can't remember what they are called but you clip them over the fuel line and slide it into the coupling between the fuel line and the filter. It is like a wedge and it releases the inner ring allowing the fuel line to come out. I'm sure if you ask at the counter or look around in the tool area you will find them.

 

[crazyfoolreal]

so more than likely the filter is the problem?

 

[Blee1099]

It could be but I would recommend cleaning the MAF & IAC sensors.. Just use carb cleaner or any electronic contact cleaner and let them dry thoroughly. As for the fuel filter.. I would first try to rule out the MAF & IAC since its the easiest..

 

[crazyfoolreal]

can i also use the carb cleaner to clean the throttle body and if so how do i do this.

 

[MrShorty]

When it won't start, do you hear the fuel pump run when you turn the key to on?

 

[crazyfoolreal]

what sound am i looking for and i think so because its been running normally for a week

 

[MrShorty]

A whine from the gas tank. If the fuel pump is running, what is the pressure at the fuel rail?

 

[crazyfoolreal]

eh how would u check the fuel pressure on the fuel rail?

 

[crazyfoolreal]

it must be a fuel problem because last night when i was trying to start it it would start then die, and i smelled gas. Today, it just cranks nothing else. How can i check the fuel pressure at the rail

 

[MrShorty]

Best way to check fuel pressure is to get a fuel pressure gauge (can be found at most self-respecting auto parts stores. Harbor Freight has one, too) and attach it to the Schrader valve (looks like a tire stem) on the fuel rail.

I also neglected to mention that you could also pull codes from the computer. Some no starts will leave clues as to the cause in the computer (see tests at www.dalidesign.com/hbook/eectest.html)

 

[crazyfoolreal]

well i went to advance and got some intake cleaner, electronic cleaner and a new fuel filter. I cleaned the throttle body and used the electronic cleaner on the MAF and IAC. It started then died. And now its just cranking again.

 

[crazyfoolreal]

ive started to install the new fuel filter and i got the mounting bracket and the fitting clips off. Advance Auto gave me the metal tool. And im not quite sure how to get the filter off the line.

 

[engera]

The fitting between the line and the filter is a spring loaded retaining ring. I'm not sure what the tool looks like that you got from Advance but the ones I used before are little plastic clips that clip over the fuel line and one end is wedge shaped. You slide the wedge into the fitting and it expands the inner spring loaded clip releasing the line. Then the new filter just snaps back in. I do remember it being a bit of a pain getting the plastic piece in far enough to release the clip due to the location.

 

[country boy]

we had a truck with the same prob. it turned out to be a vaccum hose wasant conn. try that