I've been having some problems with my 2000 explorer (V6-XLT model). It has trouble starting sometimes. Tonight when I got ready to leave work, it started for about 5 seconds, idled rough, and then cut off. Then it wouldn't start at all after about 4 tries. I went back into the office to call my wife to come get me, and then I went back out to try it again (~10 minutes later) and it finally started after turning over for about 4 or 5 seconds. I just replaced the battery less than a month ago.
I've dug through this group and seen others have had the problem. Some have said to replace IAC valve and one post said the check valve on the fuel pump could be letting fuel back into the tank causing the fuel pump not to have enough fuel to start the engine.
The engine is turning over fine, and this problem doesn't happen every time. This is the first time when I couldn't get it started. Most of the time when I have the problem it just idles rough and then if I gas it a few times it eventually idles normally.
It really scared the daylights out of me tonight when I couldn't get it started. I can't live with that, because I'm worried about getting stranded somewhere.
The dealer has run the computer diagnostics stuff on it, but that's when they recommended replacing the battery, which I did. I also checked the battery connections tonight and they appear to be tight. I'm very concerned about this, and am not sure what to do. I may end up having to trade this vehicle if I can't get this resolved, but hopefully some of you out there are more knowledgable than me about this and can offer some advice.
Many thanks.