Intermittent no start issue

Tiny
MAGGIEMAE7
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD AA
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 117,000 MILES
I have a 2000 Ford Explorer. It acts like it is not getting fuel to it. After it sits for a while, most of the time it will start, unless the weather is a wet freezing temperatures 8 to below 0. The fuel filter has been changed, don’t seem to have helped.
Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:02 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

This can be a few things. Yes, a weak fuel pump can cause it, but chances are is something different.

If damp weather seems to cause problems, I need to know when the last time it was tuned up. For example, are the spark plug wires in good condition? Next, is the check engine light staying on when the engine is running? If it is, you should have the computer scanned for codes.

Here is a video that shows how it is done:

https://youtu.be/u-4syLc-ifQ

I realize most people don't own a scan tool, but oftentimes a parts store will do it free of charge.

Let me know if the light is on. If so, have it scanned and let me know what codes are found.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
MAGGIEMAE7
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
No, there is no check engine light on. I really can’t call it damp weather, but can call it colder. The brake light comes on and stays on I would say 70 percent of the time. I check my parking brake constantly and it is not engaged.
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Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 AT 9:49 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
Hello, I'm Danny.

Just to add my 2 cents here. By having the brake light staying on will not necessarily cause a no start condition unless it is seriously draining the battery. I would first suggest performing a fuel pressure test. Fords are notorious for failing in-tank fuel pumps. If you don't have access to a fuel pressure tester most auto parts stores have a tool loaner program and can rent you one. Here is a tutorial showing what is involved to perform a fuel pressure test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

The proper fuel pressure for your vehicle should be 57-73 PSI. Get back to us with the results and we'll go from there. Hope this helps and thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 7:45 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
By chance, do you have access to a live data scan tool? If you do, I need you to check the signal from the engine coolant temperature sensor. If it is bad, it can be causing a cold start condition.

Let us know.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 9th, 2020 AT 7:48 PM
Tiny
MAGGIEMAE7
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Well, just to update on the Ford Explorer, since the key has been reprogramed I have not had any issues except once and when I changed keys it started right up. So it seems as the anti theft system didn't really like the key I was using and thought I was stealing it. Thank you guys for all of your input. I know who I will contact if I should have any more issues!

Merry Christmas to you and yours!
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 2:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,114 POSTS
Hi,

Glad to hear you got it going. Please feel free to come back anytime in the future. You're always welcome here.

Merry Christmas to you as well.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 16th, 2020 AT 2:41 PM
Tiny
DANNY L
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,648 POSTS
You're welcome!

Glad to hear the issue was taken care of. Thanks again for using 2CarPros and hope you will use our site again in the future. Happy Holidays!

Danny-
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Thursday, December 17th, 2020 AT 12:14 PM

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