It still will not start

$AVAGELOVE187

MEMBER
1996 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
229,000 MILES

My truck was starting to mess up for a while so I replaced the spark plugs because someone said it might be that. Then my truck shut off after a little bit. So, I replaced the alternator and then it stopped shutting off, but it was like it wasn't getting enough gas; it started sputtering and when you would be stopped and pressed the gas it would take a minute to really go and in the hot temperatures outside no matter how far you drove it wouldn't start back up for a while. Then one day it shut off while I was driving down the road actually in the middle of the road and I have had several people tell me it was the fuel pump and after checking a lot of internet searches and the signs it sounded like the fuel pump to me, but I also don't know a lot about cars. So, I put in a new fuel pump but it's still not starting up all the way like it turns over and makes a hiccup sound I have no idea if the pump was a faulty pump or not put in right or what could cause it to not startup?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,747 POSTS

Hi,

This could be a few different things. Since you replaced the fuel pump and it is still doing the same thing, I question if that is the issue. However, it would be a good idea to check fuel pressure so we can eliminate that as a possible issue.

The easiest way to determine if it's a fuel-related issue is to see if it starts for a couple of seconds using starting fluid. If it does and then stalls, that is where we should focus. If starting fluid doesn't change anything, we need to next check for spark to the spark plugs when it won't start. Here is a link showing how that is done:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Let me know what you find. Also, if you can get your hands on a scan tool, it may be very helpful.

I will watch for your reply.

Take care,

Joe