1995 Ford Explorer Wont Start

Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 148,000 MILES
When I turn the key on my truck, the fuel pump kicks on but never shuts off and doesnt start the vehicle. Per some obviously bad advice, I replaced the fuel pump. (After the fuel filter) I keep being told about a green fuel relay that could be the problem but cant find it to save my life. When the problem first came up I could shake the truck and get the fuel pump to turn off and the car could start. Not that little trick doesnt even work. Also, it will start if I spray carb cleaner into the intake but ionly until it burns that off. Thanks for your help.
Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 6:10 PM

21 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Fuel pump relay could be sticking closed-when this happen it will automatically power the fuel pump thru the inertia switch without the key-

The relay is located on the power distribution box left fender apron.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
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  • 10 POSTS
The problem is that the fuel pump continues to run while the key is on. It turns off if the key is off.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 6:43 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Test out the fuel pump relay
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:04 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
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  • 10 POSTS
I swapped it with an identical relay but it does the same thing. Other forums keep mentioning a green fuel pump relay but I dont see it anywhere.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:19 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the inertia switch behind the right front kick panel. Sounds more like the PCM main relay is shorting out.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Inertia switch is not tripped. How would I go about checking the pcm?
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:46 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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I'm not talking about the computer. The computer is what am trying to avoid $$$$$$$$$$$. Try swapping the PCM main relay don't work time to bring it in to an auto electrical specialist this one can be a nightmare to remember
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I switched the fuel pump relay to the pcm power relay as they are the same part number to no benefit. Despite my best efforts, I foresee this one ending up at the shop.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 7:54 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Try this remove fuse no.19 25amp fuse and tell me what happen.

Sir, For your Info - am viewing your electrical wiring diagram every time I give an answer
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I take the #19 fuse out and turn on the key and the fuel pump does not come on. Replace it, and the fuel pump comes on like normal. Just doesnt shut off.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:18 PM
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Remove fuel pump relay jumper pin 85 to 87 at the socket-tell me what happen
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:30 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
I have zero clue what you mean. Sorry
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:33 PM
Tiny
BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
You said your truck fuel pump runs all the time with the key on. Is it a truck or a ford explorer. Two different things. Ford explorer fuel pump relay is grounded by the PCM. Maybe you need to check to see if you also have spark at the spark plugs. If not you need a test light or noid to check the injector circuit to see if it operation. With a test light test check one of the injector plugs for a completed circuit.
Take the test light put one end in one side of the plug and the other in the other side. Have someone turn the engine for you and see if the light flashes If no spark and no circuit at injectors and pump running all the time. I would expect your PCM is Bad.

Badbo
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:53 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
It should be getting fire from the plugs because it's starts when the carb cleaner is sprayed into the intake. Also the vehicle (explorer) started (just like normal)twice today and ran for about 30 seconds and shut back off.
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 8:58 PM
Tiny
BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
Ok it runs sometimes, but the pump is running all the time.
If the pump is running and it has fuel pressure (hope you checked that when it doesn't start) The pcm is probably needs replaced because the fuel pump relay is still grounded by the pcm. Now if you would check that circuit at the injectors when it will not start to see if the light flashes you will know for sure. A test light is a cheap item at any parts store. I am not reading this from a book. I do it every day and for the last 40 years. Hope this helps.

Badbo
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Wednesday, August 27th, 2008 AT 9:13 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
What is the little grey box on the right hand side of the intake that has a 3 prong plug on it? Several times, I have moved those wires and the fuel pump shuts off. Then it turns back of again as if it vibrates back into a spot of bad connection.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 7:13 PM
Tiny
BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I really think you mean the left side. The drivers side is the left side. Little grey box is the DPFe sensor is the only little grey box on the drivers side of the intake and even if you unplug the thing the auto will still start. Far as I know it has nothing to do with the fuel pump. The idle air controll and tps is also located on the intake at the front.

Badbo
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 8:11 PM
Tiny
PHNTMFOOT
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
It may be purely coincidental but, when I move those wires around, the relay clicks off and the engine runs like its brand new. I dont get it.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 8:21 PM
Tiny
BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
It seems you have a loose connection there some where. Try cleaning the plug and closing the pins on the plug a little.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
BADBO
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
It seems you have a loose connection there some where. Try cleaning the plug and closing the pins on the plug a little.
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Thursday, August 28th, 2008 AT 8:37 PM

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