flatipac
New Member
- Joined
- August 6, 2015
- Messages
- 5
- Reaction score
- 0
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2004 Ford Explorer
Hi folks! I had a clicking noise with a slight "eehhhhhhh" noise when idling and it got faster/louder when accelerating. I pulled over and turned off the car to check it out. The noise sounded like it was coming from the front where the top-right pulley is. Started back up and drove 2 blocks before my car died and wouldn't start back up. It tries to turn over, but nothing. I smell a bit of gas when I open the hood afterwards.
Out of pure ignorance I:
- Took out the alternator and had it tested at an auto store. They said it failed so I bought another one. Still no luck.
- Took out the starter and it failed at the same auto store--they said the gear or whatever would not kick out and engage. Bought another one. Still no luck.
- Took out the battery since after trying to start it 100x the battery appeared to be weak. A different store tested it and said it failed. Bought another one. Still no luck.
I've also visually checked fuses, cleaned battery cables, cleaned ground connections, checked for codes, checked for spark on coil #1 (successful), tried starting with starting fluid (unsuccessful), replaced fuel filter (unrelated but needed to be done). After leaving the car sitting for a week, today it seemed to stutter like it wanted to start but it didn't.
If it will not start with starter fluid, what's next? Any recommendations?
Does the clicking noise indicate a problem with the timing chain, or should I continue troubleshooting spark/electrical/ignition tomorrow?
Out of pure ignorance I:
- Took out the alternator and had it tested at an auto store. They said it failed so I bought another one. Still no luck.
- Took out the starter and it failed at the same auto store--they said the gear or whatever would not kick out and engage. Bought another one. Still no luck.
- Took out the battery since after trying to start it 100x the battery appeared to be weak. A different store tested it and said it failed. Bought another one. Still no luck.
I've also visually checked fuses, cleaned battery cables, cleaned ground connections, checked for codes, checked for spark on coil #1 (successful), tried starting with starting fluid (unsuccessful), replaced fuel filter (unrelated but needed to be done). After leaving the car sitting for a week, today it seemed to stutter like it wanted to start but it didn't.
If it will not start with starter fluid, what's next? Any recommendations?
Does the clicking noise indicate a problem with the timing chain, or should I continue troubleshooting spark/electrical/ignition tomorrow?