96 Explorer not starting
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96 Explorer not starting
To make this long story as short as possible.. My Explorer will not turn over. A few days ago it was ran out of gas, I did put 5 gallons in it. But when I went to start it I got no where. This could likely be a fuel pump that was burnt up but I have been researching it and it could also be somegthing elitrical. My buddy came over and tested the computer? He used a code reader and came up with nothing. We checked the relays and fuses. still nothing. Is there any thing else we should check before dropping the tank????
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From: Baltimore
Dropping the tank is the last thing you should try.
When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear the fuel pump prime for a second or 2. If you hear it prime, and it still won't start, and since you ran it out of gas, I suggest squiriting some ether into the intake to get it to fire. Then see if it keeps running. If you don't hear the pump run, it could be the fuel pump relay, inertia relay, or something else electrical. Again, dropping the tank should be your last resort.
When you turn the key to the ON position, you should hear the fuel pump prime for a second or 2. If you hear it prime, and it still won't start, and since you ran it out of gas, I suggest squiriting some ether into the intake to get it to fire. Then see if it keeps running. If you don't hear the pump run, it could be the fuel pump relay, inertia relay, or something else electrical. Again, dropping the tank should be your last resort.
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we did put some fuel in the intake but it failed to stay running. (hit the gas but no responce) I am waiting on my brother at the moment so we can go and the Interia relay and to try starting it in neutral. I am beyond mechanically impared so I do appoligize. But the interia relay would be located in the fuse panel under the hood correct? And if it starts in nuetral where is the safty switch and will it need replaced or just reset. I want to thank everyone for you help as well.
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From: Baltimore
If the engine is turning over, it is not going to be neutral switch related. You need to tell us if you hear the fuel pump prime when you turn the key to the ON position. If you don't hear it prime, check the fuel pump relay located in the power distribution box under the hood. You can switch that with one of the other relays (don't pick the PCM one) to see if it makes a difference. If it doesn't seem to be the FP relay, then check the inertia switch which is located in the passenger foot area by the firewall. You will need to pull the carpet back a bit to get to it. It has a reset button on the top of it, and make sure the wire is firmly attached at the bottom.
If you do hear the fuel pump prime, then you may have a spark issue. Post the results back here, and I'm sure we can help.
If you do hear the fuel pump prime, then you may have a spark issue. Post the results back here, and I'm sure we can help.
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if the vehicle was run out of gas then chances are that it fried the fuel pump as they are not intended to be run dry. the fact that the explorer will run briefly when primed tells me that it is most likely the pump. check and see if you get any fuel pressure at the rail.
jim
jim
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My friend came over with the tools to test the fuel pressure but was unclear as to were to do this from. He could not find the rail??? But after that we started to check other things... We pulled off the fuel filter, it was not completely clogged but needed changed either way. We can hear the fuel pump it makes a click and hums for about 2 to 3 seconds. I was told that it should be priming for longer than that. With a new filter on and turning the key forward (with out starting) 3 to 4 times before starting we can get the motor to crank but it dies imediately.
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From: Baltimore
The fuel pump should only run about 2-3 seconds with the key in the ON position, so that sounds right. I believe the schrader valve for checking your fuel pressure can be seen looking from the passenger side of the engine. It is on the fuel rail, which is installed between your lower and upper intake manifold sections, about the center of the fuel rail.
Also, check to make sure all the vacuum lines on the vacuum tree located drivers side by the firewall are connected. A missing/off line can give you the symptoms you are describing. Just a thought and easy to check.
Also, check to make sure all the vacuum lines on the vacuum tree located drivers side by the firewall are connected. A missing/off line can give you the symptoms you are describing. Just a thought and easy to check.
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here is where I am at this morning....
We are needing to replace the fuel pump, we began the process of lowering the tank last night. My problem is that I can not get any lines to disconnect. The two lines connected to the back of the tank are a pain to get to and when I finally twist my arm in there to grab them they will not twist or pull off. and the elecitrical connection and small hose on top of the tank are giving me the same issue. are there any tricks to getting these lines off???
PS thank you all for your help this site has been a life saver
We are needing to replace the fuel pump, we began the process of lowering the tank last night. My problem is that I can not get any lines to disconnect. The two lines connected to the back of the tank are a pain to get to and when I finally twist my arm in there to grab them they will not twist or pull off. and the elecitrical connection and small hose on top of the tank are giving me the same issue. are there any tricks to getting these lines off???
PS thank you all for your help this site has been a life saver
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From: Baltimore
You need a Ford fuel line disconnect tool. They are about $6 at any auto store. Do a search on this forum on how to disconnect fuel lines. There are lots of posts that describe how to use the tool. Don't even try it without reading it first.
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From: Toronto
cut the floor
Take a look at another entry, a few threads down on page 2, entitled Explorer Fuel Pump, Cut The Floor. It should make things a lot easier. Maybe just cut three sides and bend it up ? Good luck.
Last edited by talon dad; Feb 19, 2009 at 10:10 PM. Reason: Some characters did not show up..
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so a quick update... the tank is down!!! Tonight I will be removing the fuel pump and of course replacing. She will be on the road tomorrow afternoon (fingers-crossed) the fuel tank strap was rusted so bad it was pretty much non exsistant. Parts store will have it in the morning. But if I ever have to replace another fuel pump I will definetly cut the floor board!!