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Aug 30, 2012 | 08:27 AM

SEAL1

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intermittent no start

2001 explorer, SOHC. Sometimes just lately (5 times in the past three weeks) the engine just does not start. It turns over just fine but makes no attempt to actually start. When it does this it will after a few attempts start right up like nothing was ever wrong. It doesn't seem to matter wether it is cold or warm. Intermittent problems are very hard to diagnose so if anyone has any ideas, about common problems that would cause this, they would be appreciated.

Aug 30, 2012 | 12:11 PM

aquanaut20

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From: BC Canada

Intermittent no start is commonly caused by poor contact in plug at the Crank sensor (down by the front dampener pulley)..and,
weak fuel system pressure..

Beyond that, what have you done in the diagnostic arena?? . Philip

Aug 30, 2012 | 12:41 PM

mercuryguy

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Similar Problem 97 Explorer 5.0

See what happens if you remove the battery cable and leave it off for a bit.

I have a similar problem. Intermittant no start. In the winter it happened when engine hot, in summer it happens in the morning engine cold. If I remove the battery cable for 30 minutes or so, it will start. Once it starts, it runs and drives perfectly until it sits for several hours, then no start again. It has no spark when this happens. Fuel is fine. Any thoughts?

Aug 30, 2012 | 12:41 PM

SEAL1

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Not much yet. It is the wife's vehicle and I just found out about the problem and she has the truck with her. I just thought I could do a lot less trouble shooting if know about any common problems that cause this.

I will check those this weekend when I get my hands on the truck and post my findings. I would think if it was weak fuel pressure it would show symptoms when accelerating or at high speeds also, which it doesn't.

Thanks for the reply. Steve

Aug 30, 2012 | 03:13 PM

aquanaut20

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From: BC Canada

Tired fuel pumps may be too tight to pump efficiently having sat for a while, several start attempts may jump start the fuel pump allowing to spin up and create pressure, it needs to be tested.....or not, your choice!...

Same goes for high resistance connections..... Philip

Aug 30, 2012 | 04:43 PM

SEAL1

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I appreciate the explanation of the fuel pump and it will get tested. Thanks.

Sep 7, 2012 | 07:12 AM

SEAL1

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Fuel pressure tested OK. I also didn't find anything wrong with the crank sensor. None of this surprises me because it is a very intermittent problem that seems to clear itself by itself very quickly. She tells me it hasn't happened since she told me about it. I hate to do this but I suppose I will have to just wait for it to totally quit or at least for it to become more frequent. Thanks for the input and I will revisit this thread if or when I figure this out.