1998 Ford Explorer intermittent starting

WESTAX

MEMBER
1998 FORD EXPLORER
V8
AWD
AUTOMATIC
104,000 MILES

My 98 explorer has an intermittent starting problem based I think with the Anti Theft System. Most of the time I can walk away with the key for about ten minutes and it will start. Other times not. I have tried to disconnect the battery thinking this will reset the system and Voila. Today I did the same thing and nothing. I have on two occasions gave the air intake (fuel injected) a shot of ether and both times it started but I don’t want to continue this practice for obvious reasons. Any ideas?

3 Replies

SERVICE WRITER

MECHANIC
9,123 POSTS

So we have a no fuel (at the least) symptom that we know of. I don't believe the PATS is responsible. The computer okays the start when it gets a message from the action of the correct key rotating the lock cylinder. I would treat this a lack of intermittant fuel problem.

Could be bad pump or pressure regulator. Remove the return line and let the fuel run into a can. Cycle the key to make the pump run while watching the flow and the pressure gauge. If fuel continues to flow from the return line after the pump is shut off, then you have a bad regulator (should hold 35 - 45 psi in fuel rail). If the flow stops when the pump stops, but the pressure still goes to zero, then the pump check valve has failed, and the pump has to be replaced.

This must be done at the time of it not starting. With this being intermittant is may test fine at times due to the inconsistent starting.