Why doesn’t my 1996 4.0:Explorer not start after driving?

Asked by Guru96MDTF Nov 07, 2022 at 07:52 PM about the 1996 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT SUV

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

1996 4.0 Ford Explorer starts and runs fine, after regardless of miles driven







and turned off it shows symptoms of a dead battery and will not start. Engine







will not turn over, there will be no radio or lights. Let it sit for about 5 minutes







and it starts as if nothing happened

1 Answer

50

It sounds as if you have a situation where an electrical connection, (likely a battery ground wire or main fuse connection) is physically expanding and an air gap is opening up or a connection is weakening greatly under "heat soak" conditions. Heat soak is what happens when the engine compartment temperature RISES shortly after shutting the engine off, due to the engine no longer being cooled by water circulating through the radiator. I would first check the fuses by taking each out and then replacing it a couple times-which burnishes the connection, then check the battery connections and grounding wire. If that doesn't work go somewhere where they will do the engine scan for trouble codes -many auto parts store will do it for free.

Your Answer:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    31,070
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,890
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,340
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 15,103 listings starting at $1,712
Used Ford Expedition
22 Great Deals out of 821 listings starting at $7,888
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
20 Great Deals out of 904 listings starting at $11,900
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
122 Great Deals out of 3,221 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota 4Runner
12 Great Deals out of 309 listings starting at $9,700
Used GMC Yukon
19 Great Deals out of 915 listings starting at $1,225
Used Nissan Pathfinder
39 Great Deals out of 1,370 listings starting at $3,995

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.