1998 Explorer Starting Problem
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Joined: Apr 2003
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1998 Explorer Starting Problem
I am one frustrated Explorer owner. Periodically, the car turns over but won't start -- almost as though it is out of gas. It has been to the Ford dealer twice to no avail and now to an independent mechanic who checked out everything including the computer, which told us only that there was a "misfire" problem. He replaced all the spark plugs and the car still did its non-start thing the next day. Once the car sits for 15-20 minutes, it fires right up. Otherwise, i love it. But its quickly become unreliable.
This is very frustrating - this is our family car and my wife is often stalled at kids baseball games and other activities. She refuses to drive it for fear of being late to some activity.
I've just talked to two people in my office who have the same problems with newer Explorers and aren't getting any answers from their dealers.
Anyone have any ideas/solutions. Is this happening to you? HELP!
This is very frustrating - this is our family car and my wife is often stalled at kids baseball games and other activities. She refuses to drive it for fear of being late to some activity.
I've just talked to two people in my office who have the same problems with newer Explorers and aren't getting any answers from their dealers.
Anyone have any ideas/solutions. Is this happening to you? HELP!
Junior User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 58
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From: North Beach United States
1998 Explorer Starting Problem
Had a 94 EXPLORER that did the same thing, took it to the dealer to no avail. Then a friend had a Econoline van that did the same thing, he took it to an independent shop who replaced some kind of temp. sensor in the manifold area. Unfortunately, I never found out if this fix worked as I traded the vehicle. Apparently, there is a sensor in the manifold area that monitors temp. and when it fails it won't allow the vehicle to start until it cools off. Once the sensor is cool vehicle starts fine. Hope this helps that is the best I can give ya.
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
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1998 Explorer Starting Problem
JJ, that is a logical guess on the ECT (engine coolant temperature) sensor. It could indeed be bad. Since you took it to a dealer, I assume that it showed no trouble codes? If not, then it's a trial and error job to fix it.
If you do have codes present, a bad ECT will show numbers P0114-118.
If you have a multimeter, you can check the resistance on the ECT, looking for either a short or open when at operating temperature......
If you do have codes present, a bad ECT will show numbers P0114-118.
If you have a multimeter, you can check the resistance on the ECT, looking for either a short or open when at operating temperature......
Freshman User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 47
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From: Tallahassee
1998 Explorer Starting Problem
My '96 had same problem, i think it has something to do with exhaust manifold and where the spark plug wires are. Mine would start, but it would misfire, it would barely get enough juice to idle at 500 rpms. so i'd turn it off, and let it sit for a few minutes and start it again, it'd turn over finally at 1000 rpms idling, enough to put it in gear and go. it did this for about a month, even after i got a full tuneup. then my check engine light came on, code PO304, cyl 4 misfire. i took it to mechanic that did tune up, the spark plug wire on cyl 4 was bad. check ur spark plug wires, they might have a crack in them. i think the exhaust manifold is messing them up. maybe they get the wires too hot and it misfires. or it's slowly damaging them. but anyway, after i got the wire replaced it runs and idles fine.
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