We Thought We Had It, But Then This Happened.. (Ford Explorer No Start)

Y’all know that things aren’t always simple in this industry. This one was no different. Just when you think you have one that’s really cut and dry you get thrown a curve ball. In this video you’ll see us work through a crank, no start on a 2013 Ford Explorer that we thought would be a good quick lesson and good to go, but the vehicle had other plans. You’ll see why you need to always test drive multiple times after a repair and also why it’s important to get good information from your client when they drop off. We hope this is a good lesson for you. Enjoy!
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[@BradGoodridge]

50+ years of driving and never hard a problem over filling the tank until last year driving my daughter's 2003 Camry from GA to CA. Stopped to get gas in NM got back on the highway and had an engine check light. After a little panic I stopped at an auto part store. They put a scanner on it said it was a gas vapor problem. They cleared it and it's been fine ever since. I learned my lesson to stop filling at the first click.

[@shawnkleveland196]

I ran into running issues after niece filled a chevy sonic. Running issue was always after filling up. Turned out to be purge valve bad.

[@spikeshostagetv5935]

besides the purge valve being gargled with fuel the fuel sometimes overfilling the tank can bypass and go to the charcoal canister when you overfill the tank . Not good also in my automotive career

[@8power0]

THAT WAS A TRICKY DIAGNOSTIC ,,,,,, THANKS FOR SHARING HOPE TO SEE MORE DIAG VIDEOS LIKE THIS AND THANKS AGAIN !!!!!!!!!!!!

[@davidberry9226]

I live in New Jersey and would almost be 100% willing to take my cars to him in Georgia for services. This is what everyone wants in his or her mechanic. Bravo 👏

[@ryan.mullen]

Great video. Super good information. This is the most underrated KZbin channel ever.

[@bus4773]

Overfilling most commonly will cause raw fuel stored in evap canister. Sounds like the charcoal canister flooded due to over filling. When the purge valve opens , raw fuel is pulled in. This continues until the canister is dried out. In some cases the canister has to be replaced. suggest test- compare purge opening to 02 signal. Saturated canister will peg o2 sensor when purge is triggered. Also as mentioned by another commenter, change the oil as part of the repair. 1- because the PCV will pickup fuel fumes from diluted oil, 2nd to restore the lube protection in the engine.

[@wolleysegap9740]

I see it all the time at gas stations and want to say something, but I figure it won't be accepted well. So I side with minding my own business.

[@gaylbeals6712]

Hey Sherwood you have some great video's. I love your philosophy when taking care of customers, fair, honest and up front. I teach college and use a bit of your video's for teaching. The problem is my kids say you are my doppelganger, long gray hair in a bun. I think my hair might be longer when down. Keep up the great work, I love the product reviews. It is always nice to see someone who cares about customers in this business.

[@charlesmecum5009]

Because of you folks, I call all my clients clients, I think its so much more respectful,

[@chriscorts3337]

Ran into this with a Saab. Canister was filled with fuel. Blew it out and good to go.

[@wannabetrucker7475]

honestly did not know this about filling a tank....however, i don't overfill cuz I'm in a hurry, once it shuts off... I'm done.

[@pontiacsrule8761]

Another excellent video. Sherwood always shows the mistakes & mishaps in his videos. That's experience from this guy for sure. Great teacher & camera work. On a side note, when the pump clicks, your done. Thanks for the advice.

[@baja-automotive]

I see this problem at least once a year. Customer topps of the fuel tank then rounds to the nearest gallon/dollar. An overfilled tank will spill fuel into the vapor lines and worst case the charcoal canister gets saturated. I had a charcoal canister that was swelled with fuel, it was two pounds heavier then a new charcoal canister.

[@jasoneyes01]

Amazing! Flooded fuel vapor recovery system....purge valve. Seems a little outside the box... nice find.

[@rafranks1410]

Sure wish a shop like you was near me!

[@LLcoolthings9]

That’s crazy!!! Never seen that before. Thank you for sharing!!

[@WIFordMasterTechnician]

Very informational videos. You explain very well. Thanks for sharing the knowledge and letting us learn more about the mind boggling diagnostic part of this field. It’s complicated at certain times but we always need to stick to the basics. I failed at that a few times. But we learn. It’s a learning field. That’s how we get better. 😁 I’m surprised the customer didn’t state “ever since I filled my tank” hmm. As technicians that is helpful. lol. Customer is always right though. 😂

[@dannyd.8753]

Love your videos! Easy to learn from your experience. Have a nice weekend.

[@jsmorton674]

Absolutely excellent teaching moment! Great stuff!

[@user-ul5ht3gh6u]

If I may add something that may be relevant to your viewers, or people trying to create/enhance their analysis/diagnostic procedures……….. A first step that should be considered is information gathered from a full vehicle scan even if vehicle runs or not. Don’t try to start vehicle, then look at data PIDS……IAT (intake air temp), ECT (engine coolant temp), ethanol content percent, FRP (fuel rail pressure sensor), learned values, etc. Dead battery can clear/reset some values but a skewed IAT or ECT should still be apparent. Graphing data from cold start to operating temperature can give pertinent data/some drop outs. Just food for thought (my opinion). Oh, not all vehicles have FRPS and are flex fuel. Have run into fuel puddling in intake manifolds mostly due to not properly performing FI services 😂 Thanks for all the info and videos, nice work 🤘

[@gmtech2012]

I had a Lucerne last week with washed down cylinders. Always check the oil! Mine had probably half a gallon of gas in it and the oil was actually splashing into the catcher. And something else I thought of while watching this... I'm assuming that the canister got soaked with gas. Love the videos, especially when you use the ATS equipment!

[@spirokattan3655]

Thank you Sherwood. Looking forward to TST BIG Event!

[@alexbueno2885]

Keep up the great work guys

[@zekzygaming5128]

I think that it would’ve been a good idea to look at the upstream O2 signal after the sparkplugs were replaced.

[@n124lp]

I think it's a good rule to always look at the O2 sensors when checking fuel trims and vice versa because they are so closely related.

[@konstantinusstoyanov9749]

Very informative , thank you

[@Louie88]

Awesome video ! Great info

[@trekOCLVone]

Excellent video. Multiple issues really tests your skills.

[@kendavey6937]

Good diag teacher! Thank you.

[@Oneupserviceautorepair]

The failing purge valve on those explorers are super common. I have gotten failed evap codes on a purge valve, and reach in both banks as well. Typically around the 150k, i had 10 of those alone fail last year at my shop.

[@BigFish-eo7uj]

Great diag. You run an honest shop, Sir!

[@apshambarger]

Great case study. You guys really are good at the detective work.

[@robert2112yyz]

Mode 6 and freeze frame data are important for this kind of issue. Mode 6 might show lean/Rich condition, and maybe initial misfires prior to no-start. Code/freeze-frame (if code set) would show FLI (fuel level in) as being high/too high. Clear flood can be performed using OE service tool, along with data monitoring prior to any parts removal. Even fuel pressure can be monitored on most newer engines. Spark plug removal really showed the results of root cause, but confirmed need for new plugs.

[@DannerPlace]

Great episode.

[@sheerwillsurvival2064]

Great video good learning

[@CharlesLease-ei1ee]

Works on a lot of the Chevys and some imports mainly the ones with the push button but there is some push button that doesn’t do it and I usually do that when I do oil change I put it in the flood mode so I’m not starting that motor dry

[@ernestrodriguez6851]

I bought a used ford edge with 102k miles on it with the same 3.5 engine and it did a hesitant start every time I would fill up the tank. I changes the evaporator purge valve and it fixed the problem as well.

[@tibortorok6343]

Egyszerű, és nagyszerű !

[@robertmedina6875]

Great video!!

[@KGauto_Diagnostics]

Digging the beard Sherwood. Great video as always!

[@mrfreeze4245]

Great work. I've seen fuel pumps, injectors, countless sensors, even cat converters being replaced with no results. Guess work gets expensive.

[@johnnyn.6638]

I'm Ukrainian but I'm living in France for the long time, and have to repair my car by myself because here no qualified mechanics as U guys. So thank you for your help, I wish to find someone like you here.

[@clampingdiode]

"and also why it’s important to get good information from your client when they drop off." I fix a lot of vehicles much quicker when I grill the client. Sometimes tho clients don't remember things, and sometimes they are scared that if they divulge info it will cost them money but most will answer all questions. Things like any repairs done prior, or what happened just prior to the no start (in this case, did they fill it up with gas just prior to the no start). Other things like, has the check engine light been coming on might've helped. Dead battery kinda washes this, but I wonder if it might've had any PDTC's pointing to a stuck open purge valve (super common on Fords)? I enjoy watching your videos, very much. Jim Eve's Automotive

[@lawrencethomas645]

I wonder what kind of shape the evap canister is in? Maybe full of fuel and coming apart on the inside? Especially if the customer pops the nozzle a lot when refueling. Great videos guys! Keep up the good work!

[@wolleysegap9740]

Right ? Very informative.

[@franciscoxaviergonzalezrom4648]

Thank you Sir!

[@geraldfiorello6231]

Great video

[@themikeanic1535]

Excellent

[@charlesmecum5009]

Nice job on the man hair Sherwood love ya bro.

[@rrmech11]

Nice old school testing. I remember that spark plug cleaner

[@brucemadden1626]

You can still buy the pneumatic spark plug cleaners; I even have a 12v one as well from over 45 years ago.

[@giopirmisashvili5514]

Thank you

[@philh9238]

I got that same spark plug cleaner I use it tons

[@jameskim62]

GOOD TIP !!!!!!

[@stanmorton8975]

Manufacture should include note near gas inlet to not overfill tank. I see ppl doing it all the time, especially women. They just have no idea how vent system works. They don't know they're filling tank all wrong. I'm tempted to say something but ppl get in their feelings easily enough, so I shake my head and remain mute. In hindsight the indicators were there. The pegged fuel gauge. The fouled plugs. Great video. Thx

[@nicknicu1787]

Love the spark plug sandblaster! I never even knew those existed! Well done! 👏👏👏

[@mph5896]

He said he was using beed. Using sand to clean spark plugs can destroy an engine.

[@nicknicu1787]

@@mph5896 How can you destroy an engine my friend,are you for real?! After you’ve sandblasted the spark plugs you’re going to blow them out with compressed air until everything is clean and then you install them into the engine.

[@mph5896]

@@nicknicu1787 My reference source is Briggs and Stratton service bulletin 367 from 5/10/1960. This showed cleaning spark plugs would destroy new engines in a short time, even when you blew out the spark plugs. It would introduce abrasive material and the engine would loose compression.

[@mph5896]

@@nicknicu1787 Briggs and Stratton did an extensive test showing new engines being destroyed due to media staying in the plug even after being cleaned out destroying the engine. Reference is Briggs and Stratton service bulletin 367 from 5/10/1960

[@napoleonsmith7793]

Thanks

[@harveypaxton1232]

Love seeing the "old-school" spark plug cleaner. I had one mounted on the wall over my workbench for years. After I moved I don't know what happened to it.

[@lrmastertech]

Awesome job guys…had something like that also….charcoal canister is probably toast also…just a thought

[@aymenmohamed1134]

Awesome

[@spencerestilette9103]

I've had this with a bunch of 14 f150 with 3.5 and the I found the evap canister was plugged. If you take it off and it weights doubled of a new one you can throw it away. The new canister fixed all three that were having this exact issue.

[@philh9238]

Don’t forget to check fuel quality. I get about one a month with water in the fuel. Just had a 15 Buick with water in the tank

[@JohnShalamskas]

How do you test for water in the fuel?

[@GNX157]

Back in the ‘80’s I’d see a lot of Buick Diesel V8’s (total garbage of an engine) with both water and or the green growth in the tank quite often, what a mess.

[@richardgreene7198]

Some times the problem with these vehicles is the spacer between the seat and the steering wheel .

[@kristianarnold3165]

Had this same problem on a 3500 Chevy fleet truck at a place I worked at years ago ,driver overfilled it sucked a bunch into the evap system

[@cheetahpro]

Yes that's exactly what happen, everything you said starting@14:50. Had it happen to me on a costumers car, they over filled the tank, and there is residually fuel in the intake manifold after this happens. I ran the car for 30Kms and it still had residually fuel left in the intake. Long story short, took off the intake soaked up the fuel with some paper towels, work fine after that.

[@martinarrieta248]

Grasias

[@garysgarage3669]

Another great video. About the spark plug cleaner before I buy one. Briggs and Stratton put out a posting years ago, not to sandblast spark plugs, because pieces of sand will get caught in the rings and scratch the cylinder. Is this a concern for you? do you wash and dry the plugs with some brake clean and compressed air before you put them back in? Love your videos.

[@n124lp]

I wonder if it got liquid fuel into the charcoal cannister that it was then pulling in through the purge valve, in addition to having the intake plenum saturated with fuel vapors. I wouldn't be surprised to find that the cannister is damaged.

[@ScottPuopolo]

That was my thought as well, I imagine it would take a while to clear an evap canister that was full of fuel from overfilling.

[@JohnShalamskas]

I am battling with intermittent crank-no-start on my 1998 Ford Explorer (6 cylinder, 2WD). Once it starts, it runs until I turn the ignition off. When it does not start, it will run rough a few seconds and die. Seems like it won't start until I turn off the ignition, wait a few seconds, and crank again. I'm pretty certain that I do not overfill the tank, but perhaps I will try flooring the gas pedal and cranking, just in case the return line has some fuel in it. It can't hurt to try. I have taken it to a mechanic who found no codes, even though the issue popped up briefly while the OBD tool was plugged in. I have cycled the fuel shutoff switch in the foot well to ensure it is fully turned off.

[@mph5896]

Those purge valves on those are REALLY bad. I actually have 1 on hand at all times for those Explorers/Tauruses. See the misfire at startup as well with the sticking open ones.

[@robertparamore2863]

You too. Don't forget mustangs and F150s. If a Ford comes in, not running right, I always blow thru the purge valve. Keep up the good work, and let's make some money

[@cdgarcia453]

The Ford products also have power balance on some vehicles where it has to be reset also. Besides the part you replaced

[@wolleysegap9740]

How did I know you were going to say overfilling the gas tank. 👍

[@jeffmiller6100]

Tank stuffer..😒 Been there. Clear flood is our salvation in extreme cold weather here in the northern states

[@tuna22lm]

My first thought if it is cranking decent would be fuel problem, after that a no spark problem and then I would go from there. But there should be a code so plug it in to a code reader lol.

[@johnhill3644]

whats the name of your belt and holder for flashlight etc.i like that idea?

[@80SWoods]

Are there any issues with using a soft bristle wire wheel on my bench grinder to clean plugs? That always makes them look clean without causing any damage.

[@GNX157]

RAS, what manufacturer do you think makes the best disk brake rotors for a car?

[@odishoodisho4904]

👍

[@n124lp]

There is now going to be a run on used sparkplug blasters. 😀

[@michaelvang8387]

Could you guys provide links to some of the tools that you are using? I like some of the tools you guys use but i don't know the name and where to get them.

[@marlinyoung1606]

You can buy the spark plug blaster at harbor freight

[@kevincampbell8298]

You can still find those plug blasters.

[@element2550]

That's what you get for trying to get an extra 1/3 pint of gas after filling up completely hope its a decent bill

[@johnpost3289]

Very good chance it also needs a canister. It’s been my experience that once they become saturated with raw fuel, getting it out of the carbon is next to impossible. Good video, lm new to your channel, I’ve subscribed. I’m 30 years as a licensed tech. In Canada, now a college professor. Do you mind me using your videos in the classroom?

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Not at all. Use them as much as you'd like. Thanks!

[@johnpost3289]

Thank you, much appreciated.@@theroyaltyautoservice

[@alanjackson4397]

Couldn’t have had fuel in the canister too and it took a while to run the fuel out of the canister

[@keltecshooter]

Yes, absolutely over filling a fuel tank will cause many issues including ruining an EVAP canister....

[@charlesmecum5009]

Sry for rant sir

[@hazendismukesjr.8319]

You can use a cigarette lighter with a flame I have an old golf cart and it loves to flood so I let it flood pull the two plugs out and burn them and put them back and it will start the rest of the day

[@delshadsaid731]

Can’t believe some people overfill there gas tanks 😂

[@bartscave]

Wouldn’t any pudding fuel have dumped out when you removed the intake to change the rear plugs?

[@Ronsas98]

He already got the vehicle to start. Whatever fuel that was sitting in the intake had been picked up.

[@elora2525]

I used to have a spark cleaner and have no idea where it is.

[@JohnSmith-xx1lx]

Although the noid light is great it doesnt tell you whether the injector is plugged up/ not working etc.

[@manuelgil6728]

Harbor freight sales them. Spark plug cleaner

[@machine7767]

Should have turned it over in clear flood mode with the plugs out. Would have cleared the gas out of the cylinder faster.

[@johnw9637]

Next time take the fuel pump relay out start it put back in done

[@tlkseries1]

How would that solve the problem

[@JohnShalamskas]

@@tlkseries1 Then you can clear a flood without flooring the gas pedal. Also If the relay gets stuck open (no fuel pressure) then it might help. But if there's good fuel pressure then the problem is elsewhere. I was surprised that Sherwood didn't check the fuel filter, but I guess a clogged filter would cause low fuel pressure, which wasn't the case here.

[@Ronsas98]

@@JohnShalamskasfilter is in the tank.. no external filter

[@Ronsas98]

@@JohnShalamskas performing clear flood by pressing the accelerator pedal to wot is an actual procedure.. why would you not do it the way the manufacturer designed it to be done? A lot easier and now a lot of newer vehicles have an internal fuel pump relay built in to the bcm.. Ford and Dodge

[@pereriksson1906]

What is a OID light? on one of the injectors. Is it something to test how one injector work. Were can I buy it??!!

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

Noid light. Any tool truck and I think Amazon has them also.

[@pereriksson1906]

Thank you, your YT channel is great, very good. And you can keep your beard he he.

[@pereriksson1906]

I get annoyed when visitors to a car service channel have opinions about such things.

[@johnw9637]

Fix the problem then put new plugs in

[@robertparamore2863]

What codes were you getting? Surely there was an unable to bleed up the EVAP system. Guys and gals, if a Ford is running rich, won't start after fueling or the dreaded P0300. Pull the purge valve off and blow thru it as hard as you can. If your cheeks don't hurt, replace it. Great video professor but I don't tic tok

[@Nakkilauta]

Approx how many miles you would test drive in this kind of situation?

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

At least 20.

[@daviddasilva4897]

Is the oil full of gas

[@theroyaltyautoservice]

No, surprisingly it was ok.

[@jackiemay9471]

a customer actually took a car for diagnostics with more fuel than it on empty that is a first

[@charlesmecum5009]

K I S S

[@johnw9637]

Remove relay That's just to get it running instead of pulling plugs cleaning them putting back in just a waste of time

[@charlesmecum5009]

How do I get better, tell them chuck there's a fee for coming out, cuz you cld just sit on couch if u want to go broke ikr.