If your 1996 Ford explorer cranks and starts for only a few seconds then it cuts off what may be the problem?

Check your fuel pressure - it should be 35 to 45 PSI with the key in the on/run position but engine not started , if not then fuel filter, then fuel pump. ( I'm assuming that it does this more than one time ) If it only did this one time, and now it won't run, then it's an electrical or control problem.