Hello all! I had a problem with my '94 Explorer XLT 4x4. It just wouldn't start. We drove to the mall, no problem. Got in to leave, it would turn over, but it was barely running. More like dieseling. Pressing the gas didn't make any change. RPM didn't increase. Shut it off, tried again, same thing. Shut it off for a minute, then it wouldn't start at all. Plenty of power to crank, (new battery) but it just wouldn't run. Shut it off again, wiggled the spark plug wires. Still wouldn't start. Wiggled all the breakers under the hood. I'd also heard that opening the fuel cap sometimes fixes things. After doing those 2 things, it started! Ran fine all the way home. Tried shutting off and restarting in the driveway, no problem. I drove it to the Park and Ride this morning, no problem.
It did this once before, a few days ago before we towed our camper for a weekend trip. But that time it caught on after a few seconds and ran fine the rest of the weekend.
Does this sound like a problem with the fuel pump? Fuel filter? A sign that we need a new car? (my vote, just short of funds though!)
It's been pretty reliable (I'm the sole owner!). We did have a lot of stuff replaced under warranty, but that was more mechanical stuff than ignition. (thermostats, differential work, speedometer) It's always started, so I'm pretty bummed by this.
Any thoughts would be appreciated! Thanks!