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What would cause a 1995 Ford Explorer to sputter when starting sometimes and then stop at all?

1. Fuel System Issues:

- Clogged fuel filter: A clogged fuel filter can restrict the flow of fuel to the engine, causing sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty fuel pump: A failing fuel pump may not be able to deliver enough fuel to the engine, leading to sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty fuel injectors: Leaking or clogged fuel injectors can cause an improper fuel mixture, resulting in sputtering and stalling.

2. Ignition System Issues:

- Worn-out spark plugs: Worn-out spark plugs can produce weak sparks or fail to ignite the fuel properly, causing sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty ignition coils: Failing ignition coils may not produce enough voltage to create a spark, leading to sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty distributor cap and rotor: A damaged or cracked distributor cap or a worn-out rotor can affect the timing of the spark, causing sputtering and stalling.

3. Air Intake System Issues:

- Clogged air filter: A clogged air filter restricts airflow to the engine, affecting the air-fuel mixture and causing sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty mass air flow (MAF) sensor: A faulty MAF sensor can provide incorrect air-flow readings to the engine's computer, leading to improper fuel mixture and sputtering and stalling.

4. Electrical System Issues:

- Weak battery: A weak or failing battery may not provide enough power to the ignition system, causing sputtering and stalling.

- Faulty starter: A faulty starter can cause difficulty in starting the engine, leading to sputtering and stalling.

- Loose or corroded electrical connections: Loose or corroded electrical connections can disrupt the flow of electricity to the ignition system, causing sputtering and stalling.

5. Engine Mechanical Issues:

- Vacuum leaks: Vacuum leaks can cause an improper air-fuel mixture, resulting in sputtering and stalling.

- Low engine compression: Low engine compression due to worn-out piston rings or damaged valves can affect the engine's ability to generate power, causing sputtering and stalling.

To accurately identify the specific cause of the sputtering and stalling issue in your 1995 Ford Explorer, it is advisable to have a professional mechanic inspect and diagnose the vehicle.