95 4x2 Rodeo need help please!

[rodeeo]

If anyone could please help me, I would greatly appreciate it. Here's the brief but depressing outcome.

Stopped for gas yesterday, filled the car up. Drove 5 miles, parked and when I came out of the store. It started right up, then turned off. It did this one more time. It makes a clean start(sorry lack of the lingo) and then turns off. No battery or alt. problems, no dimming or stalling. It just won't stay started. Any suggestions? Tried the local parts stores, they all said alt. or battery. Could it just be bad gas? Please help! I have little kiddies depending on thier mom to have a car....

Thanks in advance.

[Ramblin Fever]

When was your last tune-up, i.e. spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter. And what engine/miles do you have, 3.2L V6 or 4-cylinder.

[rodeeo]

Originally Posted by Ramblin Fever

When was your last tune-up, i.e. spark plugs, fuel filter, air filter. And what engine/miles do you have, 3.2L V6 or 4-cylinder.

I haven't had a tune up yet. I was going to have that done this weekend, oil change too. I have a 4 cyclinder engine.
Spark plugs were changed july 4th. I've only had this car 6 months.
I checked the air filter, it seems to be clean/basing on my knowledge.
I have no clue where the fuel filter is to even check it. Thank you
for your reply. I hope that helps

Oh, sorry I about forgot-122,722 miles

[95.5 Rodeo]

I would run the engine until the problem occurs, then crank the engine a few times. Remove a spark plug and look at it. Is the plug wet with gas? If not, there is a fuel delivery problem.

Lay the spark plug on a good ground and have someone crank the engine. Is there a strong blue spark? If not, you have an ignition problem.

Do these quick tests and let us know what you find.

Dale

[rodeeo]

Originally Posted by 95.5 Rodeo

I would run the engine until the problem occurs, then crank the engine a few times. Remove a spark plug and look at it. Is the plug wet with gas? If not, there is a fuel delivery problem.

Lay the spark plug on a good ground and have someone crank the engine. Is there a strong blue spark? If not, you have an ignition problem.

Do these quick tests and let us know what you find.

Dale

Dale,
It turns over but won't crank. It was suggested yesterday I try "starter spray", I did and it turned over but quickly turned off. I don't have anyone to help me, with the car. And sorry to seem like a sob story, but not enough money for what mechanics charge. I don't have a manual and can't seem to find one online. If I could locate the fuel filter possibly I could check it out. (sorry for rambling, just worried)

[95.5 Rodeo]

So, with the starting spray, it runs for a moment then dies? Is this correct?

It could be a fuel delivery problem. You should do the tests I mentioned to find out for sure.

The fuel filter is usually located on the passenger's side frame rail, I don't know about yours for sure. Just get underneath and find the hose(s) leading from the fuel tank to the engine. There will be a small metal can somewhere along the line, that is the filter. It could be clogged, you could look at the spark plugs to confirm a fuel delivery problem.

BTW, When I say "crank the engine" I mean to turn the ignition key to the start position.

Dale

[rodeeo]

Originally Posted by 95.5 Rodeo

So, with the starting spray, it runs for a moment then dies? Is this correct?

It could be a fuel delivery problem. You should do the tests I mentioned to find out for sure.

The fuel filter is usually located on the passenger's side frame rail, I don't know about yours for sure. Just get underneath and find the hose(s) leading from the fuel tank to the engine. There will be a small metal can somewhere along the line, that is the filter. It could be clogged, you could look at the spark plugs to confirm a fuel delivery problem.

BTW, When I say "crank the engine" I mean to turn the ignition key to the start position.

Dale

Dale,
I just got a new fuel filter. I don't have the right tools, but I'm going to give it a try. The spark plugs seemed ok.
Yes that is correct, if I had someone to spray it, I could do a lot more. It cranks and then turns off.
Sorry that I misunderstood when you said crank. Thank you for your help, I truly appreciate it!