1998 ford explorer

1998 FORD EXPLORER
147,654 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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LTROMPETER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1998 ford explorer. I have problems getting it started. If I turn it on and count to 5 a couple of times it will start. After it starts
it back fires. Could my problem be my fuel pump
or could it be the relay switch telling me my
fuel tank has a problem?
Jan 18, 2011 at 4:26 PM
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ERNEST CLARK
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 1,730 POSTS
No it isn't the fuel pump. It is most likely the fuel pressure regulator is leaking. It is designed to hold pressure in the system so when you are ready to start your car there's fuel already at the injectors for the engine.

When the FPR leaks, it allows the pressure to bleed off back to the tank when you shut the car off. Also, if the diaphram is leaking, it will allow the fuel to be sucked into the intake manifold where it shouldn't be. Thus your backfires.
Feb 5, 2011 at 12:21 PM
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