Car starts then can stall out or if you turn off wont start again for 2+ hours

Asked by Dkuhn5452 Aug 26, 2019 at 01:47 AM about the 2004 Ford Explorer Sport Trac XLT 4WD Crew Cab

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

When I start my 2004 ford explorer sport trac it will
run fine 60 percent of the time until you turn it off.  
Then when you go to start again may or may not
start.  If it doesnt start their is no clicking or
anything showing the engine is trying to turn over.  
Had to mechanic and they could figure it out.  I
changed the starter and just for kicks the
alternator.  Then other times when driving the
vehicle it will stall out and not start again for 2 plus
hours.  Any suggestions?

5 Answers

Did you check the battery is that working fine? If you have a meter so check when it doest starts, check how much voltage & Amp battery is showing at that time. And you said you changed the starter and problem still exists so try this hope it will help.

30

I have almost exactly the same issue, but typically it will restart after about an hour of sitting without attempts to restart it. I've already had the battery replaced, the alternator replaced, and lastly the starter replaced within the last 5 months. It did it again yesterday to me stranding me for over an hour until I tried to restart it. When it happens to me, on the first crank, it will start, but it dies out quickly and can be heard easily and even trying to give it gas to maintain it won't help...then after trying to start a second time no turn over at all, just crank. If I try it again after a couple of minutes, it continues to try to start but can't. I hope you get your question answered, so I can have hope of my own being answered as well. Sorry you are experiencing this too.

2 people found this helpful.

Dear cathyanne60 Thank you and I feel your pain I still haven't figured out my issue but maintain hope. Basically something I suspect is in the security issue not always recognizing the chip in the key but I even had a new key made and programmed. Only other thing is to change the computer but then I am not sure if that will change the code in the chip for the key. I could be way off base but trying what I can. Will keep you updated if I get any where. Good luck to you. Don

30

Dkuhn...that's another thing I have considered, as far as the anti-theft device in the vehicle. My sis tried to relate that issue to me, but cannot recall fully what the fix is, or just "how many flashes" is considered abnormal...I honestly wish there was one test that could tell you what your problem is. It would be so much easier for everyone to know. Less time spent on diagnostics would be awesome. The problem is that it's so intermittent. I first thought it was related to frequent starts and stops of the engine, so I stopped doing that and brought my extra keys with me to be able to leave it running. After having the starter replaced one month ago (again not driving much) I thought the problem was solved. About $700-$800 later, on a limited/disabled budget, it seems the problem still exists. UGH!

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Explorer Sport Trac

Looking for a Used Explorer Sport Trac in your area?

CarGurus has 14 nationwide Explorer Sport Trac listings starting at $3,999.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Wayne Foy
    Reputation
    1,580
  • #2
    Jennifer Lowen
    Reputation
    680
  • #3
    Tracy Hooks
    Reputation
    650
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Explorer
62 Great Deals out of 2,025 listings starting at $6,990
Used Ford F-150
315 Great Deals out of 13,805 listings starting at $4,500
Used Ford Ranger
17 Great Deals out of 709 listings starting at $8,999
Used Toyota Tacoma
44 Great Deals out of 740 listings starting at $9,975
Used Nissan Frontier
13 Great Deals out of 536 listings starting at $3,400
Used Jeep Wrangler
133 Great Deals out of 5,940 listings starting at $8,990
Used Toyota Tundra
40 Great Deals out of 977 listings starting at $10,698
Used Chevrolet Colorado
43 Great Deals out of 1,203 listings starting at $4,995
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
193 Great Deals out of 7,903 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Expedition
18 Great Deals out of 672 listings starting at $7,894
Used Toyota 4Runner
35 Great Deals out of 557 listings starting at $9,999
Used Dodge RAM 1500
89 listings starting at $2,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.