Explorer Won't Start
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Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2003
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Explorer Won't Start
I have a 1996 Ford Explorer with 165,000 miles. Got up this morning and went to start her up and couldn't get her to catch. Basically, the engine turns over strong, so no problem with the battery or starter. It sounds normal as you hit the ignition, it just keeps turning over and doesn't start. Hoping it's something simple <praying>.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Any ideas?
Thanks!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 475
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From: Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you put the key to the "on" position? You should hear it prime for 1-2 seconds. Make sure the radio is off, the priming isn't very loud. If not, could be something as simple as the fuel pump relay. Try swapping out one of the other relays with it to see if that's the problem. Cheap easy fix if it does.
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Originally Posted by Backin72
Do you hear the fuel pump prime when you put the key to the "on" position? You should hear it prime for 1-2 seconds. Make sure the radio is off, the priming isn't very loud. If not, could be something as simple as the fuel pump relay. Try swapping out one of the other relays with it to see if that's the problem. Cheap easy fix if it does.
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
Yup, that's the fuel pump making that sound. Did you check if it's priming since it hasn't been starting? The relays are under the hood and the cover should tell you which relay is which. If swapping out the relays doesn't help, then it could be the fuel pump itself, a bad ground, broken lead or even a fuse. Is everything else working? Not sure with your model year if the fuel pump is on it's own fuse. There's also an inertia switch located under the carpet near the firewall closer to the passenger side(I think?), or near the hump, I'm not sure with your year. Just pull the carpet back and you should see it. Press the switch to reset, ya never know, sometimes it's the simplest things.
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OK, When I turn the ignition key to the "on" position, I do not hear the fuel pump prime. I have located the relay for the fuel pump and am now wondering if there is any way to check it to see if it has gone bad. Any ideas?
Thank you!
Thank you!
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Winnipeg, Mb. Canada
Swap it out with one of the other relays. Use one that isn't a big deal like for wipers or something. I don't remember what relays are for what but the cover is labeled. Use one that isn't important at the moment. That will tell you if the relay is bad or not. If that doesn't fix the problem, could be a bad ground, inertia switch or the fuel pump itself.
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I realized that I could swap relays to double check if the relay for the fuel pump was good. Switched out the W.A.C. Diode relay (my choices were that or the PCM Power Relay) and plugged it into where the Fuel Pump relay goes. Still couldn't get her to start though. I'm thinking it's got to be one of the other possibilities you've mentioned.
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Originally Posted by quicklook2
you need to check the inertia switch for corrosian or if it is tripped or has a loose wire.
also check wiring to fuel pump.
also check wiring to fuel pump.
Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
Does the CEL come on when you turn the key to the ON position? If not, the PCM relay could be bad. For it to start, the PCM and fuel pump relays need to work. If the relays are good, and the inertia switch is in tack (not tripped or loose wire), then try hitting the fuel tank when cranking the motor. The could cause the pump to come on for a bit, thus helping to narrow the problem down to wiring at the tank, or the pump itself. You should try all these tests before deciding to drop the tank.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 11,289
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From: Lakewood, Ohio
inertia is on passenger side of hump under the carpet near the firewall.
the pump is in the tank.
go buy a manual it will help you a lot.
take the vehicle to a mechanic if you are in over your head.
the pump is in the tank.
go buy a manual it will help you a lot.
take the vehicle to a mechanic if you are in over your head.
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 952
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From: Charlotte, NC
Try resetting the inertia switch, I had an issue similar in a 94 ranger, popped the inertia switch to get it to open the circuit, then pressed the button back down, didn't have an issue after that.
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HOLY CRAP! I pulled the carpet back, found the inertia switch, unplugged it, plugged it back in and VIOLA! My baby started right up without a hitch.
Thanks to all of you that provided such great advise on diagnosing my problem. You're all a godsend.
Greg
Thanks to all of you that provided such great advise on diagnosing my problem. You're all a godsend.
Greg