No start condition, sometimes
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: Benton, Arkansas
No start condition, sometimes
This is on a 96 Explorer 4.0L that belongs to a friend of mine. It runs fine but at times after she shuts it off it will not restart for 45 minutes to an hour, sometimes even longer. But once it starts it runs fine. My problem is I can't get it to do it when I've gone over to look at it. Sometimes it will go days before it act up. Had the codes pulled on it and all it had was an EGR code. Don't think that has anything to do with this problem.
Anybody run across this problem? Got any ideas?
Thanks,
Delos
Anybody run across this problem? Got any ideas?
Thanks,
Delos
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
Delos, it could be many things, but first check the battery cables for cleanliness and tightness. Then check under the vehicle where the negative battery cable connects to the starter bolt. For some reason, this connection gives trouble on a lot of Fords. It's in a position where it rusts and gets little attention......
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: Benton, Arkansas
I went over yesterday to do somemore checking. I checked all the connections on everything. Not having any trouble with the engine turning over, she spins like a top. There's just times where it won't fire up. But of course I live about 30 to 45 minutes away so by the time I get there it will start. So I've never been able to check it out during one of the no start conditions. I might have to just get it and drive it a day or two and see if it will quit on me to be able to check it out properly.
Delos
Delos
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 805
Likes: 0
From: Pauline, South Carolina
My '92 did that, never would throw a code, always all clear. Took me around 6 months and $250 in non-returnable electronic parts (coil pack, ignition module, ignition switch, etc.) to find out it was none of the parts. My problem was a loose wire in the plug that connects to the ignition module that is in front of the battery on a '92. I'd change a part and think I had it, then it would leave the wife stranded (not good). Then I realized that whenever I'd move the wires near the ignition module, I could make it start. Buddy has a junkyard and he gave me the plug off one in his yard. I soldered and shrink wrapped every wire (seem's like there's around 25 of 'em) and she hasn't failed to fire since. May not be what your problem is, but a loose connection somewhere is a strong candidate.
Good luck, Tracking these down can be a real pain.
Good luck, Tracking these down can be a real pain.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 146
Likes: 2
From: Benton, Arkansas
Originally Posted by JerrySimm
My '92 did that, never would throw a code, always all clear. Took me around 6 months and $250 in non-returnable electronic parts (coil pack, ignition module, ignition switch, etc.) to find out it was none of the parts. My problem was a loose wire in the plug that connects to the ignition module that is in front of the battery on a '92. I'd change a part and think I had it, then it would leave the wife stranded (not good). Then I realized that whenever I'd move the wires near the ignition module, I could make it start. Buddy has a junkyard and he gave me the plug off one in his yard. I soldered and shrink wrapped every wire (seem's like there's around 25 of 'em) and she hasn't failed to fire since. May not be what your problem is, but a loose connection somewhere is a strong candidate.
Good luck, Tracking these down can be a real pain.
Good luck, Tracking these down can be a real pain.
Thanks,
Delos
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,450
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore
You need to determine whether the problem is fuel or spark related. Next time it won't start, pull a plug wire and using an old spark plug ground in on the engine while someone cranks it. That should help you determine if it's getting spark. Also, when you turn the key to the on position, you should hear the fuel pump run for about 2 seconds. If you don't hear it, check the fuel pump relay.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Raisin City out of Fresno
Having same problem on my 93. And I know it is a spark one as there is no spark at all when it happens. Fuel is good. CEL light stays on were as when it fires after a sec or two it go's out normally even when cranking this truck. Every time it dose this it is away from home day or night and not once were I could really get into it when it happens will be reading on this a lot hope we all find out what and why as it sounds like a few of us are having the same thing
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New User
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I been reading all the replies about having problems with the engine not starting at times , it happen to me awhile ago on my 98 explorer i took it to a shop they replaced a sensor i believed called a "crank sensor" my problem started little by little until it finally it wouldnt start at all, thats when i had my truck towed to that shop. hope this helps if any im not sure until what year this sensor its found in the explorers.
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