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My engine is not running? What's up?

Tiny
AHAUSWIRTH
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 163,000 MILES
For a while it seemed like I had to press on the gas more than normal to get it up to speed, then today. The engine wants to turn but wont actually start up.
Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 AT 7:49 PM

42 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
It sounds like a fuel pump or crankshaft angle sensor but to be sure 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 this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
A_JUNK_ONE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
From time to time, my explorer not respond to me pushing the accelerator. It can happen while going down the road or just when it starts up. It does not do it all the time. It usually takes two or three turn off the ignition and restart times to get it to accelerate. The issue happens either when it is in gear or not. I have replaced the fuel pump and the throttle position sensor to date, but the problem still happens. It is very intermittent, but bad because I can't trust it on the road. No trouble codes in the computer. No check engine light. Fuel pressure 31 psi at test port.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
I'm seeing 35 to 45psi as normal fuel pressure.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
A_JUNK_ONE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
How does the answer resolve the issue? If the fuel pressure is not enough, why will the engine usually run fine? Are we looking at a fuel pressure regulator issue? Fuel filter? Why is it only happening from time to time?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
I'm thinking the lower pressure may be going even lower at times. Yes, it could be the regulator, fuel pump.

Have you checked them?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
A_JUNK_ONE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
The pump is new. How do you test the regulator?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:41 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Here is a how to video that explaines how to check fuel pump pressure. Watch it. It will show how to check the regulator too. It is really easy to do.

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

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
A_JUNK_ONE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for all the help. I found the problem. The last time, I had the explorer inspected, they offered an oil change and air filter deal that was pretty good. Somehow, the tech messed up the air cleaner box so that if it shifted a certain way, it stopped the air coming through the intake. Idling there was enough air. As soon as the revs came up, there would not be enough air coming through. I found it when it happened one time and you could see the air intake line flexing like a vacuum cleaner hose does when you stop up the end.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
I'm glad you got if fixed. That is something I never would have considered without being there. God knows how he screwed that up, but anything can happen. So much for that great deal on an oil change (LOL).

My sister-in-law took advantage of a 19.99 oil and lube special at a place I can't mention. (Very well known nationally) She save a few dollars on the oil change, but they quoted her 600.00 for brake repairs. I fixed them for 30 bucks.

Buyer Beware.

Take care and let us know if you have questions in the future.

Joe
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JUAN_PR9
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
Engine Mechanical problem
1995 Ford Explorer 6 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

it cranks but will not start im also not getting no spark and dont know where the fuel filter is located to check if its gettin gas what can it be
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BUDDYCRAIGG
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,262 POSTS
Not getting spark, for your year of truck. Probably the ignition control module.

A lot of auto parts stores will test them for you if you take the part up to them.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CANDIDG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 261,000 MILES
It seems to be that in the morning it starts and it gives few starts if they are apart about 1 hour no problem, also it seems sometimes it starts with boost, sometimes it doesn't start with the boost, mostly giving it time. Can you tell mwe what could be wrong, Thank you.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,179 POSTS
Has the check engine light come on? Have you checked fuel pump pressure?

Let me know. Also, you may want to replace the electronic engine control relay (EEC). It can be causing this. It is in the power distribution box.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM0116
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 16,000 MILES
My 1995 Ford Explorer will not start. I have replaced the Fuel Pump and the fuel filter, at first the pump would not work because the fuel pump relay was not ground. I fix the that problem but now it still will not start. Someone told me that it may be the computer and someone also said it may be the EEC Relay but I dont know where that is. I need help it has been down for 2 weeks.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Ok, I s your check engine light on?

Does it turn over and just not start or it doesn't do anything or it clicks.

If it turns over and doesn't start - do you have spark at the plugs? If so what Color is the spark.

If you are sure it is getting fuel and has good spark and it clicks when trying to start, find the starter relay, follow the positive cable it is within 1 foot of battery. Turn key to run position then take a peice of wire and jump the 2 large terminals. If starts replace the relay.

Post findings here in forum.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM0116
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
I TRIED JUMPING THE STARTER RELAY, THAT WAS NOT THE PROBLEM. IT ACTS LIKE IT IS NOT GETTING FUEL BUT I KNOW IT HAS FUEL UP TO THE TEST VALVE UNDER THE HOOD. ANY OTHER THOUGHTS?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Do you have spark at the plugs? If so what color is the spark, if it is Bluish/White you are good if it is orange spark is weak.

If spark is good you will need to check fuel ressure..
Pressure with Key On Engine Off (koeo) should be - 35 - 45 PSI

Pressure once running should be - 28 - 45 PSI

here link for video on testing fuel pressure....

https://www.2carpros.com/car_repair_video/test_fuel_injection_pressure.htm

Is Check Engine Light On? Pull codes
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM0116
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
How do I check the color of the spark?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
OBXAUTOMEDIC
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,711 POSTS
Take a plug wire off you can stick a philips screw driver in the end then place it near a good ground. Then have someone try starting the vehicle. It works better if not in direct sun and a little dark or even do it at night.
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JIM0116
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Spark is good. Any other ideas?
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Wednesday, December 30th, 2020 AT 6:42 PM (Merged)

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