Ford ExplorerFord Explorer is a midsize SUV with body-on-frame construction. Available with V6 or V8 power, the Explorer competes against the TrailBlazer, Grand Cherokee, 4Runner, and Pathfinder. Explorer was completely redesigned in 2006 and we were pleased with the new steering, new suspension, and new brakes, all of which were vastly improved over the previous-generation.
I've been having an intermittent starting problem with my 97 explorer limited for about a year. It's the 4.0L SOHC. It started as happening about once a month but is now happening weekly. Basically, at random times it cranks and the engine turns over but doesn't start. Sometimes it takes 3 -4 times and others about 10 times before it starts but it always starts.
From some research that I've done here are some things that I have replaced.
I'm having the same problem. So far, it's only happened three times. I've had it to the repair garage and they said there wasn't any error message in the on-board computer and it started for them on every attempt. They said it might be a bad fuel pump but, that's only a guess. They also told me if it happens again to have someone turn the ignition key from off to on ( not start ) while I listen for a humming sound from the gas tank which will be the fuel pump if it's working. So far I haven't had the chance to try it.
Same problem here - cranks fine, but won't start on my 97 Explorer. I had it towed to mechanic. Initially he could not start it either, but no computer diagnosis showed up. He checked fuel pump, etc. and determined it was getting fuel. Then he tried it again and it started - best he could determine it is not getting a spark but since it started over and over he could not get it to repeat the problem, so he charged me $97 for his time and I drove it home. Worked well for 2 weeks, now won't start again. Confused
FPR (Fuel pressure regulator) My friends jeeps had that same issue..... What would happen is when is was not running the FPR wouldnt close so the fuel would leak into the vacuum line going to the intake manifold causing it to flood its self. Could be the same thing, and once you get it started, it doesnt have enough time to let any fuel leak before you start it again...
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97 intermittent starting problem 
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