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:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1996 Ford Explorer

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,850
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
6,050 Great Deals out of 131,250 listings starting at $900
Used Ford Expedition
795 Great Deals out of 23,015 listings starting at $1,050
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
1,023 Great Deals out of 20,582 listings starting at $1,100
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
2,561 Great Deals out of 50,017 listings starting at $750
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,171 Great Deals out of 18,499 listings starting at $1,800
Used GMC Yukon
660 Great Deals out of 11,333 listings starting at $1,950

Used Cars for Sale

2024 Ford Explorer For Sale
4 Great Deals out of 31,990 listings starting at $34,145
2023 Ford Explorer For Sale
205 Great Deals out of 7,930 listings starting at $27,998
2022 Ford Explorer For Sale
324 Great Deals out of 3,447 listings starting at $19,900
2021 Ford Explorer For Sale
466 Great Deals out of 5,474 listings starting at $13,900
2020 Ford Explorer For Sale
302 Great Deals out of 3,407 listings starting at $13,900

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.