Ok so I have a 97 explorer (4.0L SOHC) that wont start. I just replaced one of the timing chain tensioners, put it back together and it throws the following error:
P0376 Timing Reference High Resolution Signal "B" Too many pulses. How do I fix this?
Also this thing has been sitting for about 4 years.

 

Are you absolutely certain that is the correct code number that you are getting? The factory service manual doesn't list it and it's not a very common code from a Global OBD-II standpoint.

If you are positive this is the code you're getting, I'd suspect it's related to either the Crankshaft Position Sensor (CKP) or Camshaft Position Sensors (CMP).

-Rod

 

Actually I figured out it is not throwing any codes. The code reader i am using is on this ancient laptop running windows 95... and it was running under simulation mode so the codes it gave me weren't actually from the vehicle. I figured this out by running it, looking at the codes it gave, and then noticing that the plug that goes to the car wasn't even plugged in... haha
Now i just have the problem that the motor turns over but it wont start. I checked the fuel pressure and it seems like i'm not getting any... so tomorrow I have to check the fuel filter, fuel lines, fuel pressure regulator, and fuel pump... Thanks for the response though. Will post again if I cant seem to figure it out

 

You'll also want to make sure the inertial fuel pump shut off switch is not tripped. If you confirm it's not tripped check for voltage in and out of the switch before swapping out fuel pumps, assuming your fuel filter is not clogged.

-Rod

 

Also check the fuel pump relay located in the power distribution box.

 

Listen for the fuel pump and see if its even turning on when you turn the key on. It will only run for one or two seconds. Make sure that its running for those two seconds and not just a quick pulse. Maybe your factory anti-theft has been triggerd. Does that have the chip in the key?

 

I dont think my key has a chip.
So yesterday I disconnected the fuel line right before the fuel filter and when cranking the motor gas was not coming out of the fuel line. So i suspect the fuel pump is bad. I measured the voltage at the inertia switch and it reads about 12V for a second right when you turn the key and then drops down to 6.5V. When you are cranking the voltage goes up to around 10.5V. Does this sound right?
Today I am dropping the tank to get to the fuel pump and wire leads on the tank to measure those voltages and possibly replace the pump.

 

Before you take the tank down. Have someone try starting it and at the same time, take a hammer and bang on the underside of the gas tank, at about the middle of it, thats where the pump should be. Sometimes if the pump is locked up, this will free it up and the vehicle will start. If it does, then you have a bad pump. If it doesn't, well It still could be a bad pump...lol.. But at least you will know for sure if it starts up.

 

haha ok I will try that

 

If the pump is open circuit when you did the test, you should not see any voltage drop. With the voltage dropping like that, it sound like either the pump is stalled like V8Ranger302 suggests or there is corrosion or a bad connection in the circuit (possibly a corroded fuel pump relay).

-Rod

 

So I pulled the tank and tested the fuel pump yesterday. It was bad. It made a very very quiet humming noise. Went to Orielly's today and picked up a new fuel pump, strainer, and fuel filter. Installed them today and now my explorer runs!!!
It just runs like poop now though. It idles pretty rough and when you give it gas when youre driving there is no power whatsoever. It backfires a lot too.
Code reader gives a P0174 (System too lean bank 2) error code. Any ideas of how to fix it now?

 

This is what that code means.
A code P0174 may mean that one or more of the following has happened:

• [*]

You may have a bad mass air flow sensor. Try cleaning it out with some brake cleaner first and see if that helps. Most of the time that fixes the problem.

 

Since the code only suggests one bank is lean, I'd focus a bit less on items that would feed both banks and more towards the bank on the driver's side (bank 2). Have you ever had the intake manifold gaskets replaced? I don't recall which bank the PCV elbow is related to, but that might be another item to search this forum for.

-Rod

 

No the intake manifold gaskets have never been replaced. I will try these things today.