When I shifted the transmission into reverse the engine started sputtering and it shut off?

1997 FORD EXPLORER

97,024 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

JWILLIAMS537

MEMBER
1 POST

I was at my friend's house, and I went to the store 10 minutes away and I was only in the store 10 minutes and the car was off. I got in and fired it up and it did but when I put it in reverse it started sputtering and it shut off. It had gas and I've been searching for answers on the Internet, and I can't find anything. I even ran a code reader on it and no codes came up.

Jan 22, 2024 at 10:15 AM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

✓Experienced Mechanic
110,240 POSTS

Hi,

I suspect at this point; you have a crank with no start condition. If it is a crank no start, see if it starts if you use starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, we know it's a fuel-related issue. If there is no change, I need you to check for spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Let me know as much as you can, and I will try to help you get it running. Keep in mind, you can have fuel in the tank, but it needs to make it into the engine. Fuel pressure could be weak or non-existent. On the other hand, we could have lost ignition spark to the plugs. In most cases, it is one of these two things that will cause what you have experienced.

Let me know if you have questions or what you find.

Joe

Jan 22, 2024 at 12:57 PM

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