Author Topic: car problems (Read 737 times)

Dnil · « **on:** September 25, 2003, 12:34:04 PM »

have a 2000 explorer. It wont idle. This just started out of the blue. a couple days ago, i had to turn it over a second time to get it to start. Then yesterday it would kick over and start then die. kick over and die, did this about 5 times. Went and had breakfast, came back tried to start it about 6 more times and it finally started and went to idle.

Now it wont do it at all, no matter how many times I try to start....plus dont want to trash the starter. If i press a little gas it will kick over and run but soon as i let off the gas it dies.

Solutions? Right now it will probably get towed somewhere to get looked at and I really dont want to spend the money.

Ripsnort · « **Reply #1 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:36:16 PM »

Is the idiot light on? Sounds like an O2 sensor.

rpm · « **Reply #2 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:41:17 PM »

Check in this order, Fuel Filter (most likely), fuel pressure sensor, fuel pump. If it's the filter it's a quick and easy fix. The other stuff will require a chilton's manual to walk you thru the procedure. I'd say change the filter and if the problem continues read the manual on how to check the computer for error codes. It's very easy and only requires a jumper wire to get the code.

ra · « **Reply #3 on:** September 25, 2003, 12:43:38 PM »

Run a diagnostic, most cars have them built in, even my '84 Bronco does. Try a google search for 'ford explorer diagnostic' to find out how to do it and how to read the results. If it's a serious problem your onboard computer has probably detected it already.

ra

Dnil · « **Reply #4 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:03:58 PM »

i will probably try the fuel filter later today.

If it was bad, wouldnt it not work at all? Just curious as to why it worked that one time and acted completey normal, drove it for about 45 miles and the car was completely fine. Now nothing. If it hadn't worked that one time I would feel better about this....and no, no check engine lights are on.

Strange · « **Reply #5 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:14:00 PM »

Could be the mass airflow sensor has taken a dump.. It detects airflowing over the sensor.. if it fails the car would have the same problem.

Dnil · « **Reply #6 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:18:30 PM »

another question, can the sensors be easily replaced? with limited tools and limited space.

john9001 · « **Reply #7 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:23:19 PM »

save yourself time, money and aggravation, take it to your dealer, it may be under warranty.

hblair · « **Reply #8 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:26:02 PM »

It could be a number of things. If I were you I'd call down at the local ford dealer, ask for the service manager if you can get him. Act like you're a mecahanic, and tell him your situation. Act like you're talking about a customers car.

It's best to have a ford familiar guy diagnose the prob than just throw parts at it because some internet dudes suggested it.

hblair · « **Reply #9 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:27:10 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Ripsnort
Is the idiot light on? Sounds like an O2 sensor.

Dude, they're called warning lights. Only german lovers call them "idiot lights"

icemaw · « **Reply #10 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:30:34 PM »

We had one in my work the other day. The tech did some tests found the intake manifold leaking. Caused the O2 to malfunction. It has a surging idle and spit and backfired when engine was reved. Is your a v10?

Replicant · « **Reply #11 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:37:06 PM »

Don't keep turning the engine over if it won't start - the catalyst will fill up with unburnt fuel and will cause damage (especially when it finally does start and melt the cat!).

I'm not at all familiar with the Explorer but there are several things you can check yourself.

1. Make sure the vehicle has plenty of fuel and that the fuel filter isn't blocked and the pump is working correctly.

2. Ensure ignition circuit is okay, check that the LT leads are secure on the coil. On some vehicles they have special distributor rotor arms (fitted with resistor) that can break down slowly causing misfire/awkward starts (a very common fault these days!). Whilst distributor cap is off check that all contacts are okay, especially the centre coil contact. Check the fusebox and that all ignition/fuel/ECM fuses are not blown.

3. Inlet manifold - make sure that all sensors and vacuum pipes are secure. Is there an inlet pipe between air filter box and manifold that you can remove to have a look at the throttle butterfly and air flow sensor? Some crap could have passed thru the air filter and be obstructing a sensor.

4. What sort of auto-choke mechanism is it on board? Again, check everything attached to the throttle housing.

5. Does it have an Electronic Control Module? Make sure connections are secure and on some they have a vacuum pipe as well. Make sure all pipes are on not constricted.

6. Is there a fault diagnosis module built into the car? Some cars have this either around the drivers fusebox area, passenger footwell or in the boot - check your car handbook or phone a dealer and ask if it has one fitted. If there is a fuel/ignition fault it will display a fault code via a flashing LED. Again, being unfamiliar with the Explorer you may need a dealer to use a special fault diagnosis machine to check certain components.

7. Check the cambelt tension, if it's very loose it may have jumped a tooth and changed the timing, or caused valve damage.

8. Do you have a friend with a similar vehicle that you can try swapping the O2 sensor with?

9. If you can't see anything wrong at all then consult a garage who can inspect the vehicle - it's hard to explain but you can often hear what the fault is and know which system to illiminate.

Hope some of the above can be of use, I stopped being a mechanic back in 1996 but these are things I'd often look for on a non-start.

Good Luck!!

Dnil · « **Reply #12 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:46:17 PM »

i have read similiar problems now and it could be a number of different things. All of which I am limited on what I can do. I live in an apartment now, ex has all the tools and the garage

I probably will have to have it towed to a dealer, just a wad of cash i cant afford right now.

Fuel filter I could probably do myself, anything that involves pieces of the engine being moved, not going to happen.

Replicant · « **Reply #13 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:50:19 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Dnil
i have read similiar problems now and it could be a number of different things. All of which I am limited on what I can do. I live in an apartment now, ex has all the tools and the garage I probably will have to have it towed to a dealer, just a wad of cash i cant afford right now.

Fuel filter I could probably do myself, anything that involves pieces of the engine being moved, not going to happen.

You only need a screwdriver to do most of the stuff on my list. Maybe a small socket set aswell (to remove cambelt cover/distributer cap). Have you any other friends who knows about cars or can lend you tools?

Dnil · « **Reply #14 on:** September 25, 2003, 01:57:14 PM »

nope no friends. After more research I am leaning toward an IAC valve. Seems like a lot of folks have this same exact problem. Either raplacing or cleaning this has fixed 99% of the problems. Now just have to figure out how to do it.