Hello,
I never thought my first post would be about a problem, but. I bought a '91 explorer about a week ago. Everything seemed great untill today. Pulled into a parking lot and when I got out I could hear what sounded like the fuel pump still running. I started the moter again and it stoped when I turned off the ignition. Now, even with the ignition off, it continues to run. I had to pull off the battery ground cable to get it to stop. Anyone know what the problem is?
Thanks in advance, James

 

I suggest you start by checking the fuel pump relay. Although, normally when they go bad, the pump won't run at all.

 

Just got back from the parts store. Picked up a Haynes repair manual and a relay. Now just have to figure out where it goes.
James

 

i had a 91 do the same thing check your battery conections. low voltage will make them do strange things i had to replace the battery

 

thanks for the tip on the battery. I will have it checked but, it starts fine. Still can't find where the fuel pump relay is located. The haynes manual is not verry helpfull.
James

 

Egads. I thought I had the answer to the location of the fuel pump relay but that's for the '97. Since I also have a Hayne's manual I guess there's not much point in me looking. It sounds like a sticking relay could cause that problem I'd also check the fuses: pull 'em out and make sure the connections are good. After that, check the infamous positive battery cable.

 

Tell me about the positive cable!
Somehow I fixed the problem, for now anyway. Not sure what I did. However I did clean the both terminals. I can't believe that is all it was. I will have the battery checked tomorrow. Since I spent $13 on a fuel pump relay I will change that also if I can ever find where it goes.
Thanks for everyones help
James

 

First place I would look is in the PDB (Power distribution box) under the hood. Not sure exactly what they look like on a 97 but expect something about 4" x8" and frequently found along one of the fender skirts, and sometimes along the skirt and at the top of the wheelwell.

 

I doubt very much a battery cable fixed it. Most likely it is the relay as suggested and cleaning things just jostled the stuck contacts loose.
The relays (3 of them) are UNDER the main fuse box mounted on the right inner fender.
you have to take it loose to get to them. Use your Haynes manual, check the wire colors to determine which one is for the fuel pump. May as well set a spare relay for when the EEC one starts acting up. The replacements are generic, and will replace any of the 3.

 

Let me see if I can help clarify things... I think the Haynes (and Chiltons) manual are missing the diagrams for the 91-94 PDBs (power dist boxes). All they have are the fuse box diagrams. As Dialtone said, the PDB is on the right inner fender well under the hood. On the inside of the PDB cover, it has a diagram stating which relay/fuse is which. Hopefully, this helps. Also, as Dialtone stated, I don't see how cleaning the cables/connections can permantely fix the problem you were having.

 

Right, I don't think cleaning the terminals fixed anything. Standing in front of my explorer looking at the engine, next to the air filter box there is the power distribution box. Removing the lid I see only fuses. Below this box there is another box. If I understand Dialtone, this is where the relays are? I'll go look again. Please be patiant with me. I almost bought a 60's mustang instead just because of the lack of technology.

 

OK, I found it It was right where Dialtone said it was. My stupid! Yesterday I had removed the plastic box that holds the relays. I looked at them but wasn't paying attention. Like dialtone said, when I replaced the relay holder the contacts were jostled loose. I am on my knees bowing to you. Bought an extra relay also.

 

I had a 91' Ranger that did the same thing just slam the door a couple of times and it should stop it always worked for me. Then I took it to the garage and they replaced the fuel pump relay and the pressure regualtor. Try the door slam it worked for me. Good Luck