I just bought this 97 Ford Explorer Limited 4.0 single over head cam v6. First of all I am new to cars, everything I read on here I am learning how to do. So please try to keep it in simple terms for me so I dont have to look every part up to find out where it is.

This truck sat for two years before the man decieded to sell it. We brought it home and it turns over just wont fire.

The man we bought it from said that he gave it to his brother to use. ( The explorer ran perfect from what he said) He left the country and took out the computer so no one can steal it. He came back put the computer back in (two years later) and it wouldnt start.. So it just sat.... I took it to a mechanic and the computer is in the right way. I have checked the wires and plugs. I got spark from all of them when I turn the key. Also, Checked to make sure all the wires were in the correct firing order. I have checked the fuel cut off switch under the kick panel on the passenger side. It wasnt activated. I took apart the back where the jack usually sits and I cant find the "fuel relay switch?". But there is a black box back there that does click when you turn on the car. I also know that I need to check the fuel pump. How do I do this?, Where is it located? How about the fuel filter?

I have checked all the fuses in the vehicle and they all seem to be ok. The entire vehicle is fine and works perfectly i.e., (steroe, windows, locks, and etc.) Im just simply running out of options!! Please help, what do I need to do or try. I'll do it. Thanks!!

 

Was there voltage at/through the inertia?? You should be able to hear the pump run when the starter is 'bumped'.. It'll run for a sec or two anytime the engine is cranked/released.. At the very least, you should hear the relay 'click' off after a sec on a crank attempt.. The PCM is in control of the pump run time, and will only energize the fuel relay for a short time after the key is released if there's no start.. You might have someone help with a key 'bump' and listen through the open fill neck.. Could be that the injectors aren't firing, but verify pump run straight off, especially after sitting a long period of time.. The pump should run with a hum or buzz sound..

Welcome to the site...

 

Hey thanks. Im sure there will be other things to. First things first is to get the car running..

Ok let me do a little research on how to do these things? "at/through the inertia??" Where is this located? Is this the relay in the engine? (Im sorry if I sound like a dork, Im trying)... And yes, I will drag one of the girls outside now to go check if we here a pump running. I have a (voltmeter?) I can check to see if I have power.

Also do you know where I might be able to find a diagram on where the fuel pump is and fuel filter!!

THANKS SO MUCH FOR YOUR HELP!

~Vania~

 

ok so the fiel pump turns on when you go to turn the key over. Now what?

 

anyone there? =-(

 

The inertia is the fuel pump cut off switch,, and being your getting a 'pump run' with the key bumped that would mean that the inertiaswitch is closed as it should be to provide voltage out to the fuel pump when commanded.. If your sure you have a good hot spark, and a good fuel pressure then it could be that your not getting a pulsed voltage called a 'pulse width' out to the injectors to fire them.. Without any diagnostic capabilty it pretty hard to point you to a fix, more so if someone tampered with the truck to make it more secure.. In a situation like this,, if the engine has a good spark during cranking, would beto check for spec fuel pressue/volume especially after sitting long periods, and look into the PCM's (computer)data stream with a scan tool for a 'pulse width' indicating that the PCM is seeing a cam position/RPM signal and then providing apulsed voltage to fire the injectors for the startup.. If the PCM was removed, it could be that it was damgaged somewhere 'in transit' before it was reinstalled.. If your mechanic has a scanner, have him look at data stream/PIDS for a pulse.. Any fuel smell, or any after market security devices? Will it fire with a short shot of ether/starting fluid?

 

Well I think the easiest one to do is "Will it fire with a short shot of ether/starting fluid?"... This is in to the intake right? LOL... Hope I dont explode!!... anyway, so if I do this and get it to fire that means I have a bad pulse or injectors or flowing, or maybe even a fuel filter? So when I wake up in the morning. I will go to the local auto parts store and buy some starting fluid and try it. what do I have to lose! hehehe Wish me luck! Thanks So much in advance!!

 

If it fires and dies, you/we can take 'ignition' out of the diagnostic loop.. Doesn't mean that the fuel pressure is spec at the fuel rail, or, that the injectors are commanded to fireand dropping fuel though.. If it ran fine before,, chances that a filter causing the no start would be slim,, and if your sure you hear a 'smooth' hum from the fuel pump chances are it would start.. Although checking the pressure/volume is always a good practice as part of the diagnostics.. Might not run real well if the pump were weak, but generally should start.. Same with a restricted filter....