lhave a 1991 ford explorer that takes several times to get it started. when l turn the key it fires right away but then dies just as quick. If l keep trying it will eventually start but l must let it warm up before stepping on the gas or it will die. sometimes after it is warmed up it still hesitates and wants to die when l rev it up. when this happens it belches black smoke.would it be a sensor? which one and how do l check the sensor?thanks for all your suggestions!

Sounds like its your Alternator!

l dunno tho.

buy a compression tester it sounds like it could be a cracked piston. thats your best bet if not id say check plugs, wires, your starter, fuel filter, injectors, it could be any of these if its your cylinder one of your spark plugs will be blackish. it could also be a sign of your timing belt on its way out

Black smoke is an indicator of oil burning. Sounds like you have some bad piston rings, causing a lack of compression and causing oil to get into the combustion chamber.

Have it checked by a trusted mechanic.

ok its running rich,timing needs doing,also injectors might be clogged with glaze injector Cleaner will fix that.also new plugs and leads and tune should get her up and running.if its coughing running ruff that could be a crook lead il bet you 100% that is whats wrong with her. just needs a bloody good tune up cheers.

sounds like a clog fuel filter. Very cheap part no more than $10 bucks in the auto parts store. Mechanics should be able to do it for under $100 tops or let someone who is mechanically inclined do it for $40 or $30 bucks. If u can do it yourself it is very simple procedure.

First u need to relase the fuel pressure so u take out the fuel pump fuse & start up the car. The car will start up & die right away because the fuse to the pump is gone. So try restarting it again by turning the igntion on & pressing the gas pedal a few more times. This is how u release the fuel pressure in the lines. Now thats done u disconnect the negative battery cable. Then u locate the fuel filter for ur car. Most cars r right at the firewall behind the engine by the driver side. However l have seen most Ford trucks have it running along the bottom of the driver is door. When u find it it is usually connected by either two clamps or two screw on nuts on each side. Use the correct tool to remove the nuts or clamps & put in the new one. Make sure the new one goes in the right direction by following the direction as indicated by the arrow on the filter. Tightened everything up & make sure u have lots of rags as u will usually get some fuel spillage. Make sure all fuel is mopped up & dried.

Now that filtered is installed put the fuel pump fuse back & connect the negative battery lead & try starting the car. It might take a try or two to get it started but now u should not have any future problems starting the car or it hesitating when u rev it up. Hope this is ur problem as it is the cheapest & easiest fix.

ITS YOUR COIL OR FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR