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.

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