I have a 1998 Explorer which has sat for the better part of a year we start it on occassion and after doing the rear brakes have been unable to start it. It is sitting on an incline in my driveway front end down. Before we did the brakes we had no problems starting it. We tried resetting the fuel cut off switch and that didn't work. Any info would be greatly appreciated

 

Wont start as in you tur

 

Wont start as in you turn the key & nothing happens/cranks but wont start?? If nothing happens & the battery isnt dead check for voltage at the starter relay. If it cranks do you hear the fuel pump run for a couple seconds? Got spark?

 

It cranks but won't start and we just put a new battery in it. I will check the starter relay tomorrow. The fuel pump does not make any noise. I am wondering if it could be because it ran out of gas or the way the truck is sitting in the driveway and the fuel pump isn't getting any gas??? not really sure what is going on. The fuel cut off switch to reset it do you push it in or pop it ? tried pushing it in and nothing happened almost like it could be jammed

 

Sounds like a problem in the fuel pump circuit. Maybe a blown fuse or bad fuel pump relay. Take a look at the fuse page in your owners manual & check the "fuel pump relay fuse." BTW, the button on the "fuel cutoff switch" would be popped up if that was the problem.

 

ok I tried the fuel pump relay switch. they suggested trying the fuel pump inertia switch and was told it is under the brake pedal but I can't find it. Pictures or a diagram would be great. thanks

 

If it sat for the better part of a year the gas that was left may have gone bad. Did you put in any fuel conditioner before you let it sit so long? If not, the bad gas may have fouled up your fuel system.

 

Look in your owners manual. I don't have an Explorer of your generation (2nd) but I have a 1st and a 3rd. Here is what is in my 2003 owners manual:

FUEL PUMP SHUT-OFF SWITCH FUEL RESET
The fuel pump shut-off switch is a device intended to stop the electric
fuel pump when your vehicle has been involved in a substantial jolt.
After a collision, if the engine cranks but does not start, the fuel pump
shut-off switch may have been activated.

The fuel pump shut-off switch is
located in the passenger’s foot well,
by the kick panel.
Use the following procedure to reset
the fuel pump shut-off switch.
1. Turn the ignition to the OFF
position.
2. Check the fuel system for leaks.
3. If no fuel leak is apparent, reset
the fuel pump shut-off switch by
pushing in on the reset button.
4. Turn the ignition to the ON
position. Pause for a few seconds
and return the key to the OFF
position.
5. Make a further check for leaks in
the fuel system.

I know the swith is on the passengers side behind/below the glove box on my '92 Explorer as well. What Bakin72 said about your gas is an excellent point as well. If you can get most all of the old gas out and put 5 to 10 gallons of fresh in the system it would probably help your situation. Also consider a cleaner like Seafoam or similar.

 

I have experienced this problem in my own driveway. If the fuel is low and you are parked on an incline facing nose down the fuel cannot reach the sender in some cases. Put the truck into neutral roll it down to an area that is more level and try it again. If the brakes were just done, make sure to pump the brakes untill the pedal is stiff before releasing the emergency brake.