Won't start

[97explosport]

Hi everyone. I'm having a problem with my '97 explorer. It sounds like it wants to start but it just won't kick over. Here's the situation:

I bought the truck used about 2 years ago and for the last year I have only used it about once every two months. The last time I used it about 1 1/2 months ago I took it to the store and it started fine. When I came out, it would not start. I kept trying to start it until the battery died so the next day a friend jumped it for me. It took a little while, but it did start.

I ended up buying a new battery and that didn't fix the problem. I'm thinking since it has only been used about 6 or 8 times in the last year maybe the fuel lines, or injectors are clogged? I put stabil in it a year ago, but I know that stuff only says it will keep gas good for 6 months.

What would everyone suggest checking, or cleaning first? I've worked on motorcycles for about 10 years, but only know the basics on auto mechanics. Should I try starter fluid? Please help! Thanks.

 

[Turdle]

Listen for the fuel pump to prime ( whirring electric motor sound) when you first switch the key just to the on position, without cranking the engine over.
do you hear it run for a second or two?
It helps if you listen near the filler area, with no noise in the background.

 

[97explosport]

Listen for the fuel pump to prime ( whirring electric motor sound) when you first switch the key just to the on position, without cranking the engine over.
do you hear it run for a second or two?
It helps if you listen near the filler area, with no noise in the background.

Just went out and tried it and all I can hear is 1 very quiet click. Should I be able to hear it if I am standing outside the driver door? I just noticed that the dash lights are out. Could there be a blown fuse that could be causing this? I'm pretty sure I know the whirring electric motor sound that you are talking about, and it's not making that sound. Would this be a bad fuel pump?

 

[Turdle]

Just went out and tried it and all I can hear is 1 very quiet click. Should I be able to hear it if I am standing outside the driver door? I just noticed that the dash lights are out. Could there be a blown fuse that could be causing this? I'm pretty sure I know the whirring electric motor sound that you are talking about, and it's not making that sound. Would this be a bad fuel pump?

Ok
With key on, engine off, does the check engine light illuminate?
No?
Check the fuses on driver side dash panel and, Is it #23?

lemme check
Also
There is a power distribution box, under hood beside the brake booster.
With key on, give it a whack, does fuel pump run now?

There both a pcm relay and a fuel pump relay located in there, fuel pump will not run if PCM has no power.

 

[Turdle]

fuse15= instrument cluster
19=pcm power diode

above are inside the cabin

relays-under hood

relay for pcm is the closest large one to front of truck, fuel pump relay is small one directly to right of it.

 

[97explosport]

Ok
With key on, engine off, does the check engine light illuminate?
No?
Check the fuses on driver side dash panel and, Is it #23?

lemme check
Also
There is a power distribution box, under hood beside the brake booster.
With key on, give it a whack, does fuel pump run now?

There both a pcm relay and a fuel pump relay located in there, fuel pump will not run if PCM has no power.

So with the key on, engine off, the check engine light does illuminate. I realized it's only the light for the tachometer and speedometer that doesn't work. Looks like all of the fuses are in good shape. I'll try giving the power distribution box a wack in a little.

 

[Turdle]

There is also a fuel pump inertia cutoff switch, located on passenger side foot area, near the firewall. If you pull back the carpet, you will see a red reset button. Check if it has tripped? push it to reset it.

 

[97explosport]

There is also a fuel pump inertia cutoff switch, located on passenger side foot area, near the firewall. If you pull back the carpet, you will see a red reset button. Check if it has tripped? push it to reset it.

is this in the cabin?

 

[NHale623]

There is also a fuel pump inertia cutoff switch, located on passenger side foot area, near the firewall. If you pull back the carpet, you will see a red reset button. Check if it has tripped? push it to reset it.

Unless you've carpeted your engine compartment, I'd guess it is in the passenger compartment.

 

[97explosport]

Unless you've carpeted your engine compartment, I'd guess it is in the passenger compartment.

haha! yeah, I found it. I just wanted to make sure

 

[97explosport]

There is also a fuel pump inertia cutoff switch, located on passenger side foot area, near the firewall. If you pull back the carpet, you will see a red reset button. Check if it has tripped? push it to reset it.

I found it and the red button is pressed in. It doesn't move. Where is the fuel pump located on this truck? Is it near the gas tank? 'Cause I can't find it under the hood. Also, is it the injectors, or the fuel pump that make the whirring noise before starting the truck? 'Cause on my bike it's the injectors that make that sound.

 

[Turdle]

You should hear the fuel pump.

The fuel pump is inside the tank, It is probably dead, but it is a good idea to verify the voltage is getting to it.

The fuel tank must be dropped to replace it

 

[97explosport]

You should hear the fuel pump.

The fuel pump is inside the tank, It is probably dead, but it is a good idea to verify the voltage is getting to it.

The fuel tank must be dropped to replace it

looks like tomorrow i'll be dropping the fuel tank and cheching out the fuel pump. Any tips or advice is greatly appreciated.

 

[97explosport]

looks like I won't be able to fix this. I removed the metal guard over the gas tank and then found out the bolts are so rusted they can't be removed. Not to mention some of the bolts are in such awkward spots that I don't have the correct tools for it.

This sucks 'cause my buddy wants to buy it, but he said he won't if I can't get it started. I only put 3,000 miles on this since I bought it used two years ago which is why I'm selling it. I don't use it. But now I'm not sure what to. I hate when I can't fix things myself!!! Should I just get it towed to the local mechanic? Or if anyone wants to buy it, it's for sale.

When I bought the truck I put a tow package, new a/c system, new rotors/brakes, new sound system, and new exhaust in it. Now I realized that was all a waste since it doesn't even start anymore! Ah, I'm frustrated.

 

[Turdle]

looks like I won't be able to fix this. I removed the metal guard over the gas tank and then found out the bolts are so rusted they can't be removed. Not to mention some of the bolts are in such awkward spots that I don't have the correct tools for it.

This sucks 'cause my buddy wants to buy it, but he said he won't if I can't get it started. I only put 3,000 miles on this since I bought it used two years ago which is why I'm selling it. I don't use it. But now I'm not sure what to. I hate when I can't fix things myself!!! Should I just get it towed to the local mechanic? Or if anyone wants to buy it, it's for sale.

When I bought the truck I put a tow package, new a/c system, new rotors/brakes, new sound system, and new exhaust in it. Now I realized that was all a waste since it doesn't even start anymore! Ah, I'm frustrated.

I think the repair should be under 400 dollars
A new pump is half that, then the labor. I might be wrong , but not far off.

 

[NHale623]

Spray some penetrating oil on the rusted bits. PB Blaster works well.

Regarding tools, what are you lacking? A universal or crows foot? How much are they?

Are you sure it's the fuel pump? Have you checked the fuel pump relay?

You're giving up awful easy on your truck.

 

[97explosport]

Spray some penetrating oil on the rusted bits. PB Blaster works well.

Regarding tools, what are you lacking? A universal or crows foot? How much are they?

Are you sure it's the fuel pump? Have you checked the fuel pump relay?

You're giving up awful easy on your truck.

Well, I think I checked the fuel pump relay... Do you mean the relays in the power distribution box? If so, I rotated each and tried starting the truck each time I switched the relays. It didn't work. When I turn the key to the postion before you start it, I hear a quiet click come from the relays. And it's not the click sound of a dead battery. It's much more quiet. How can I tell if the relays are out?

As far as tools, I have a ton, it's just none are small enough to fit in the area that I need to get to.

 

[timleedude]

As far as tools, I have a ton, it's just none are small enough to fit in the area that I need to get to.

That's a GREAT reason to get some new tools added to your collection. Cheaper to fix it yourself and get some tools added too.

-Tim

 

[97explosport]

so I went into the local ford dealership and they told me just for a new fuel pump it's $450.00!!! The kid could barely speak english, so maybe I misunderstood. That seems like a lot for a fuel pump! I've checked online and every fuel pump I've found for a '97 2 door explorer is below $120.00.

 

[BillWms01]

Mine did the same thing, and it turned out to be the crankshaft position sensor. Sometimes it worked and sometimes it wouldn't. Before I'd replace the fuel pump, I'd pull a plug wire and see if you're getting a spark. I think the replacement was $35, and easy to replace on the front of the engine (4.0L OHV).