99 Explorer issues.

[Wicked98Snake]

So I have a 99 Ford explorer 4.0 V-6 with 101,000 miles. It has been a great vehicle for the last few months I've had it, no problems at all. I go on vacation over the labor day holiday and come back 10 days later and it won't start to go to work at first, it cranked and cranked and nothing. Finally after sitting there for a second it fired right up and was fine. It did the same thing when I went to leave work that night, cranked and cranked and nothing then after it sat a bit it fired right up no problems. It had been fine for the last week until today at lunch it did the same crap. It turns over real good, battery is fine, I hear the fuel pump when you turn the key to "on" but just won't start. Again after letting it sit for 5 minutes or so it started up and ran fine, so I took it home and dropped it off and am driving the mustang since the weather is so nice today.

So has anybody had an experiance with this type of issue on an Explorer? I was at work without any tools so I couldn't check anything really. I don't think it's the fuel pump because it fired right up and drove fine after a few minutes so the battery was good and the starter was spinning like a champ till it finally started so that's good. Just hoping to get a couple ideas to check before I get home tonight. Of course my luck it will probably fire up like a champ and I won't be able to find a problem.

[Vertnut]

Start simple. I'd replace the fuel filter if you haven't already.

[Wicked98Snake]

Sounds cheap and easy, I'll try it, who knows when the last time it was changed. I have also heard some things about the ignition switch being an issue because of the tilt steering or something anybody know anything about that? It was crankin like a champ though so that shouldn't be it.

[Vertnut]

If it's getting fuel, you might have a coil acting up, or possibly the control module.

[greenbullitt]

cycle the key multiple times, then see if it starts immediately...check valve in the pump could be sticking. could also have a PATS concern

[BlueCoupeRedVert]

. could also have a PATS concern

this is what I was thinking after dealing with cobramans' car.

[Cobraman]

Is the theft light on?

[Tannerm]

cycle the key multiple times, then see if it starts immediately...check valve in the pump could be sticking. could also have a PATS concern

This. I have a 99 exploder too with 5.0 in it and it starts fine on the first crank of the day, once its warms up and and i stop somewhere, engine off, I come back and crank it and itll just turn over.

If i prime the system like Bullitt stated, it starts up like a champ and cycling key 2-3 times.

[Wicked98Snake]

I thought maybe PATS too so I have an extra key I will try, also try the key cycling like GreenBullitt stated. No theft light. Thanks for the tips guys.

[Wicked98Snake]

So I replaced the fuel filter, it was pretty dirty but not too bad, checked fuel pressure it was 60ish and the fuel pump cycles on when you hit the key. Started perfect and ran great all last week after that, no issues. Drive out to Garland Saturday morning go to start it to leave and it just cranks and cranks and cranks, no start. Let it sit for a bit after trying to start it about 10 times and it fires right up like no big deal and drives home like a champ. WTF!!!

I haven't been driving it since I don't wanna get stranded somewhere but everytime I try and turn it over now it starts up fine and I can't find anything wrong with it!

Any idea's?

[Wicked98Snake]

Anybody? I don't want to start throwing parts at it. Can anyone tell me how to test the coil packs or fuel pump?

[greenbullitt]

you have to be patient...you cant test anything until the concern is duplicated. fuel pressure means nothing when its running fine...check it when it wont start...there is no magical cure

[Vertnut]

How about a crank sensor?

[Wicked98Snake]

you have to be patient...you cant test anything until the concern is duplicated. fuel pressure means nothing when its running fine...check it when it wont start...there is no magical cure

I know that's what pisses me off, It always starts when I'm at home, and only acts up at the worst possible time. I guess I'll just drive it till something breaks for good I guess. What a piece of shit.

[greenbullitt]

I know that's what pisses me off, It always starts when I'm at home, and only acts up at the worst possible time. I guess I'll just drive it till something breaks for good I guess. What a piece of shit.

Ive got one that needs an engine if youd like to donate LOL