1. Safety First: Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on any electrical system.
2. Check the Fuses and Relays:
* Locate the fuse box(es): The 1996 Explorer likely has a fuse box under the hood and one inside the passenger compartment. Consult your owner's manual for the exact locations and a fuse diagram.
* Identify the fuel pump fuse: The owner's manual will list the amperage and location of the fuel pump fuse. Check for a blown fuse (visually inspect for a broken filament). If blown, replace it with a fuse of the *same amperage*. Do not replace with a higher amperage fuse. A blown fuse often indicates a short circuit somewhere in the system.
* Locate and check the fuel pump relay: The relay is usually found in the underhood fuse box. It's often a square or rectangular component. You can try swapping the relay with a known good relay of the same type (from a non-essential circuit like the wipers or headlights) to see if the problem follows the relay. If the problem goes away it proves the relay was bad
3. Check for Power at the Fuel Pump:
* Locate the fuel pump: It's usually located in the fuel tank. Accessing it requires dropping the fuel tank, which is a significant job. Do not attempt this without proper safety precautions and familiarity with automotive repair.
* Use a multimeter (test light): With the ignition switched ON (but the engine not running), test for power at the fuel pump's electrical connector. You should have battery voltage (12V) at the connector. If you don't, the problem is upstream of the fuel pump itself.
* Check the fuel pump wiring harness: Inspect the wiring for any damage, fraying, or corrosion, particularly near the tank.
4. Test the Inertia Switch:
* Locate the inertia switch: This safety device cuts power to the fuel pump in the event of a collision. It's usually found under the dash or in the engine compartment. Refer to your owner's manual.
* Check and reset: If it has tripped, it will usually have a button that you can press to reset it.
5. Investigate the Fuel Pump Circuit:
If you've checked fuses, relays, power at the pump, and the inertia switch, and still have no power, the problem is likely in the wiring between the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump itself, or within the control module. This requires more advanced diagnostic skills and potentially the use of a wiring diagram and a multimeter to trace the circuit.
When to Seek Professional Help:
If you are not comfortable performing these checks, or if the problem persists after these steps, it's best to take your Explorer to a qualified mechanic. Troubleshooting fuel pump issues can be complex and requires specialized knowledge and tools. Improper repair can lead to further damage or create a fire hazard.
