2002 Explorer start problem

[lpester]

My 2002 Explorer wouldn't start properly. When trying to start the vehicle, the engine cranks. Battery, oil, and gas are good. This is the second time it wouldn't start properly within the past 5 months. Finally got it to start after pumping the gas petal a bit while turning the ignition. I turned the vehicle off and waited a few minutes and tried starting it again and it started properly. Any ideas what the problem may be?

[srercrcr]

I don't have a solution for you, just wanted to share that the same thing happened to me.
It's totally intermintent and gives you a feeling you'll get stranded some time.
I checked old forum threads and some people have had success changing the EEC relay (but it turns out those are only on earlier models from my 2000), the fuel pump relay, as well as poor wire connection at the computer and coil pack.
When it happens to me next I'm gonna tap or wiggle somehing then crank it....maybe I'll get lucky.
One guy had his car at the dealer for three weeks. They couldn't find anything. But you know how that goes. Good luck with yours.

[~manuel~]

Originally Posted by srercrcr

I don't have a solution for you, just wanted to share that the same thing happened to me.
It's totally intermintent and gives you a feeling you'll get stranded some time.
I checked old forum threads and some people have had success changing the EEC relay (but it turns out those are only on earlier models from my 2000), the fuel pump relay, as well as poor wire connection at the computer and coil pack.
When it happens to me next I'm gonna tap or wiggle somehing then crank it....maybe I'll get lucky.
One guy had his car at the dealer for three weeks. They couldn't find anything. But you know how that goes. Good luck with yours.

i am fairly certain your truck has an EEC relay.if your check engine light fails to illuminate briefly when you turn the ignition to "on" and your truck doesnt start, that would indicate the pcm is loosing power or ground,or the pcm itself is faulty.so from now on always check if the check engine light illuminates when you turn key to "on" and if you happen to have another no start situation, make note whether the light came on or not.oh and your owners manual should have the location of the realys.and the power distribution box cover might be labled with the location of the relays if you just pull it off and take a look.

[SWEATBREAD]

Replace The Idle Air Control Valve With Motorcraft Part.

[srercrcr]

1. The IAC motor can be cleaned with carb cleaner, from what I've read before.
2. I don't think the IAC motor is the problem. Engine starts and idles perfectly. It just sits there and cranks and cranks once in a blue moon.
VERY intermittent.

[lpester]

Well, after having the truck run okay for another week, it finally quit on us. It would only run if you had your foot on the gas. Once you let it go, it shut off. We had it towed today and found out it was the IAC valve. Now, that its in the shop, we are getting the whole truck a tune up. Thanks for all of the help!

[Dominic240]

word of advise you dont have to pump the gas on a fuel injected car.