96 explorer, turns over, wont start

I have a 96 explorer 6cyl FI, I went to start it, it sounded for a second like it was going to start, but then nothing, I kept cranking it and thinking I flooded it, let it sit for a half hour, went back out and still nothing. when I turn the key I hear a click somewhere in the back. I'm thinking its the fuel relay or the pump itself..any thoughts???..I dont have the manual for the truck so could some one also tell me the location of the fuel pump, fuel relay switch and crank sensor. Any Ideas would be greatly appreciated. Also could I use starter fluid in the intake of the Injector to see if it will pop and is a fuel problem, common sense tells me its not a good idea.

Thanks
Kirk

So the engine cranks fine, but for some reason it just doesn't start, or sometimes it fails to crank?

The fuel pump is in the fuel tank (electric fuel pump) and there is a fuel pump shutoff switch that could be faulty or tripped. The fuel pump could also be bad. You could also have an issue with the ignition system that is causing the spark plugs to not fire. Also, the injectors could be failing to open or close.

If you turn the ignition key cylinder to "Run" with the radio off, do you hear the fuel pump run for about 3 seconds to pressurize the fuel system? If not, you should verify that the fuel pump inertia switch is not tripped. If it is not tripped, measure for continuity through the switch and voltage to the switch.

If you do hear the fuel pump run to pressurize the fuel system and you can verify that the fuel rail has proper fuel pressure, then you'll need to look into if the engine has spark.

The fuel pump relay is likely in the battery junction box under the hood (I don't have the service manual for the 1996 model year). The fuel pump inertia switch is evidently located in the dash, below the radio. I'll have to see if that's where it is on my 2000 Mountaineer. I've never gone looking for it.

-Rod

The following link may provide some assistance in trouble shooting the fuel system.

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0b/99/2d/0900823d800b992d.jsp

Thanks for the quick respose.....

I cannot hear the anything when the key is on before cranking, just a click somewhere near the fueltank...I have a remote starter and tried starting it with that, so I had a chance to walk around the car while it was cranking and all I heard was the clicking. The Tank is 3/4 full, so the tank has plenty of fuel. Tomorrow I will check to see if there is spark, and check the resets and fuses

Whats the best way to tell if there is fuel getting to the Injectors? I know how with a carburated system, but not fuel injected.

Ill post how I made out.

Also thank you for the link, it had some great info on the fuel system.

Thanks
Kirk

Probably the easiest way to check for fuel at the injectors is to buy/borrow a fuel pressure guage and check for fuel pressure at the fuel rail.

Chain auto parts stores such as Autozone may have fue pressure guages available for loan. You will want to make sure the guage has the Ford adapter (which pretty much all of them do now).

If all you're hearing is clicking, but no buzzing/electric motor sound, it sounds like your fuel pump is probably not working.

-Rod

Rod, I just went out to give it another shot and to listen more closely, its hard to hear, but there is a low electric hum or sound for about 3 seconds ending with a dull click (almost sounds like the electric anenna when I started my lincoln but softer), I think thats the sound you were talking about. So would that mean the fuel pump is ok and to start looking at spark?

Thanks
Kirk

Well, it sounds like the pump is probably running, but that does not mean that you should assume it's working properly.

Spark is quick to check for, so if you can verify you have spark, then you still should find a fuel pressure guage and make sure you have proper fuel pressure at the fuel rail. If the pressure is low, and the fuel filter has not been changed recently, replace the fuel filter. That is a routine maintenance item anyway.

-Rod

Any codes pointing to the Crank Position Sensor?

Thanks for all the help guys

Turned out it was the pump, but the pump failed because the filter was so clogged that it overworked the pump and it finally failed. I replaced the filter and pump and runs great.
Thanks again
Kirk

Glad to hear your Explorer is running again. Thank you for the follow-up!

-Rod