Engine turns over but won't start

Tiny
TAMACHU
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 11,800 MILES
I have a 2000 ford explorer, that one morning I went to go to work and turned the key and the truck acted like it wanted to start but wasn't getting any fuel, I looked on the internet for possible causes and someone had said to try the spare key, well it started right up and then the supposed bad key works now too? What would be causing this to happen?
Wednesday, February 17th, 2010 AT 11:30 PM

39 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,128 POSTS
This sounds like a security system glitch that got straighten out when you used the extra key.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-reset-a-security-system

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Friday, February 19th, 2010 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
ROCHELEAU69
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
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  • 325 MILES
KK while I have a 2000 ford explorer won.T start it turns over but nothing I have got it started a couple times with alot of boosting and playing with the fuel shut off switch but now that"s not working there is spark and gas is getting to the engine what now?
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If you have spark and fuel, it should run unless the timing is off or there is no compression.

I have to start with a couple simple questions. Is the spark to the plugs a good hot blue snapping park or is it more orange or white? Also, I understand you are getting fuel, but have you checked fuel pump pressure at the fuel rail? It could be too low or the regulator may be allowing all the fuel to return to the fuel tank.

Let me know.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ROCHELEAU69
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Sorry it took so long but I checked for spark it is blue and strong this fuel regulator not sure how to check this since i'm doing this in my driveway would replacing the feul line about a foot of it with the rubber gas line have anything to do withthis fuel pressure
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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As long as you used high pressure hose, it shouldn't. Here is a how to for checking pressure. It is a video and directions. Check it and let me know what you find.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

NOTE: You will need a gauge. Most parts stores will lend or rent them to you.

Joe
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ELWAYGIRL72
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
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  • 130,000 MILES
Car will not start some days. I have full power since all lights are one and radio just will not kick over. I will then jump the car and it will start right up. THis happend every day or sometimes it will not happen for 2 days. I have replaced the battery and had a dull tune up and replaced the fuel filter which was bad.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Check this guide out.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

let us know
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ELWAYGIRL72
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Battery and alternator are fine. Battery replaced 2 months ago and had the alternator checked 2 times and it read fine.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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Sorry!

Get a starting fluid/ether/better off gas in a spray bottle and spray into the carb or the throttle body on an EFI. Did it start and die? If not disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 in away from ground have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, cap and rotor /distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, ECM, Ignitor camshaft and crankshaft sensors- Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BIGRICKDOGG
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My car boggles when i'm idling at a light. And I have been told it's not running on all cylinders. I just had the heads redone do to a blown head casket.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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HAs the check engine light come on? Also, it sounds like a bad miss. Have you mentioned it to the shop that did the work and was it running this way when you first picked it up?

Let me know.
Joe
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LWY
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
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I removed the upper intake on my 2000 explorer, SOHC 4.0, to remove the thermostat housing. After putting it back together it will not start. Can you give me any direction.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Recheck to make sure nothing was left unplugged such as injectors. Check for spark and fuel to the engine.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TGREEZY72
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When I crank my 2000 Ford Explorer it cranks normally, but the engine will shudder and won't start unless I give it a lot of gas. Is this a fuel pump or could it be something else? Thanks
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
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You need to test the fuel pressure and system to determine if it is the fuel pump or other fuel related problem.

A bad engine coolant sensor, MAF or some other sensors can cause the problem as well.

If the MIL is inicating, get a scan done to retrieve the trouble code to find out if it is related to the difficult starting
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:26 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNVB10
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 150,000 MILES
Explorer will not start, cranks but does not turn over. Took it in for $300 repair and Idle control valve was cleaned. Worked for a few months but now it will not start.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
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Iac valve will not prevent truck from starting.

Fuel pressure is my first check, see if it has at least 45 lbs. If not, you need to check the inertia switch, wiring and relay.

Roy
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNVB10
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How do you check fuel pressure? I would hate to take it in and pay an arm and a leg if it's something I can do at home. Where can I find the inertia switch?
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
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You need a fuel pressure gauge.
Rf lower kick panel is the location of the inertia switch

Roy
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:27 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JHAWK7783
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  • 2000 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
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Car not used for 12-15 months. Engine turns over and will run for about 5 seconds with gasoline squirted into intake manifold. Checked fuses and relays for fuel pump and PCM. Replaced fuel pump because I couldn't hear it come on ----but old one was working when connected to 12 volts. New pump runs for about 2-3 seconds with key on, engine off. Also replaced fuel filter and double checked orientation of filter.
Fuel pressure at fuel rail is less than 10 psi. With fuel line disconnected, get 3-4 tbsp of fuel into a cup with starter turning engine.
?Bad fuel pressure regulator? Is this the same as fuel pressure pulsation dampener on this car? Is it
possible that fuel line is plugged with debris or sediment from sitting?

Appreciate any help. Thanks.
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Tuesday, December 29th, 2020 AT 12:28 PM (Merged)

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