Q: Car won't start despite making several stops & running fine all day

asked by on January 02, 2017

2002 Ford Explorer, automatic 4WD, 4.0 L, V6

Two weeks ago, sub-zero temp day, driving around all day running errands without issues. Got to my 4th or 5th stop of the day, late afternoon, come out 10-15 mins later, car won't start. Has power, chugs, but won't start. Jump starts without issue. Take my car into shop next morning. Battery test, per notes, "passed voltage, CAA capacity, & temp tests." Battery is good. End up replacing spark plugs. Wiring to plugs is fine.

This past Friday, mid to upper 20's in temp, driving around in the morning and early afternoon running errands. 4th or 5th stop, come back out 10 mins later, car won't start. Same thing, has power, chugs, but won't start. Get a jump start, fires up, no problem. Drive home.

Taking car in first thing tomorrow. Theories? Questions I should ask?

My car has 214000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Do I Need to Readjust My Car Mirrors Before Driving?
In one word, yes. Anytime that you get into a vehicle, check and adjust your mirrors as needed (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-you-should-adjust-your-mirrors-before-your-drive) before you enter any roadway. This ensures that you can see clearly to the rear of your vehicle. We're talking about...
Car door opens on its own
Hi. It sounds like you are having problems with you automatic sliding side door. The door has a bundle of wires that run along the bottom. Over time, these wires break and cause electrical issues with your vehicle. Issues range...
Water in engine
If you have driven through a large amount of water, to the point where the engine has inhaled water, the engine may have been damaged. It is possible that only some basic maintenance services alone may fix your issue; I...
Fuel tank door not opening
The fuel door on this van also has a safety switch inside the door that will disable the automatic side door if the fuel door is open. The fuel door has to be opened in order to see if it...
it set for almost 8 weeks I started it, it started no problem it was low on gas then it ran out.I put gas in didn't start
With any repair, I highly recommend a thorough diagnosis before replacing any parts. In this case, you need to check for spark, fuel pressure, injector pulse and camshaft timing. You need a spark tester to check for spark, a noid...
Is lucas oil stabilizer ok to use in a 99 bmw 323i, if not what makes it bad to use?
Hello. BMW doesn't recommend using oil additives (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/a-guide-to-motor-oil-additives_2). I don't know exactly whether Lucas Oil Stabilizer works well, but if you are using a good quality oil with an SJ rating or better, there is not anything that an additive...
Need a reliable brand for the belt tensioner.
Hello and thank you for contacting YourMechanic. Shopping around for parts can be frustrating when it comes to specific brands. Some brands are not as good as other brands, however, a low quality belt and a high quality belt should...
Air conditioning and heater will turn on sometimes.
Check the wiring from the motor switch to the a/c and heating selection. Either the wiring is loose and is moving around causing the system to not operate properly or the switch has failed. If you need further assistance with...
Tire lug nuts are extremely hot after driving. Is this normal?
If the brakes have been applied, heat will be conducted from the rotor to the wheel and thence to the lug nuts. However, the braking has to be fairly significant and continuous, such as in stop and go driving, for...

Related articles

2012 Ford Focus vs. 2012 Mazda 3: Which One Should I Buy?
Compact sedans and hatchbacks provide a great ride on a budget, with the evolution from a stodgy, unattractive exterior (and interior!) to a more fully-featured trim set and exterior design. Driving enjoyment is improved throughout the class, which are known...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If Your Kid's On the Soccer Team
If If you are a soccer mom (or dad), you know that you need a lot of space to transport your budding World Cup contenders, along with their gear. From time to time, you can also expect to be bringing...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Have 3 or More Kids
If If you have three or more kids, you could probably get by with a mid-size sedan if all you want to do is take them from Point A to Point B. Realistically, though, having kids means music lessons, athletics,...