'00 XLT Won't Start (11/30/03)

[cklester]

My Explorer has been running fine, but when I tried to start it this morning I heard a dull thud/thunk noise under the hood (seemed like it was to the right) and now turning the key gives me nothing!

To start, what should I look for... :/

I'm not a mechanic and will have to take it somewhere to get serviced. I just don't want to get screwed when I do...

Thanks!

P.S. Yes, this is an emergency because it's my only vehicle and I do have a job!

 

[Alec]

First try jumping the starter solenoid. This will be a medium round solenoid with 3 or 4 terminals mounted to the driver fender. Turn the key to "on" and jumper the 2 large terminals with an insulated handle screwdriver. If that works then the solenoid is most likely the problem.

Or try jumpstarting the truck, if that works it's most likely the battery.

Other problems could include the starter or alternator (if it isn't charging the battery). So said it doesn't crank so that rules out the fuel and ignition.

 

[cklester]

Originally posted by Alec
First try jumping the starter solenoid. This will be a medium round solenoid with 3 or 4 terminals mounted to the driver fender. Turn the key to "on" and jumper the 2 large terminals with an insulated handle screwdriver. If that works then the solenoid is most likely the problem.

Or try jumpstarting the truck, if that works it's most likely the battery.

Other problems could include the starter or alternator (if it isn't charging the battery). So said it doesn't crank so that rules out the fuel and ignition.

Thanks for the help, Alec. I went out a little while later and noticed my remote lock/unlock wasn't working. I then tried the electronic lock on the door and it sounded like it was getting very little juice to those parts. I keyed the ignition after that and a few of the lights on the dash came on! That was a surprise since it was so totally dead before.

I'll check out those things you mentioned. I appreciate it!!!

-ck

 

[Alec]

Then it's probably a dead battery.

 

[cklester]

Originally posted by Alec
Then it's probably a dead battery.

I hope that's all it is!

I looked at it and noticed a lot of green sugar stuff on one of the negative post. Would that decrease or limit performance of the battery? I think I recall hearing that pouring a fizzy beverage on the post can clean that stuff off... or baking powder.

 

[01EB5.0]

Or cleaning it off with a steel brush.....but corrosion won;t help anything. I would clean it off, and then jump start the truck. Make sure that connection is still solid.

 

[Alec]

I'd also look into replacing your battery cables. It could also just be the cables and not the battery itself, but it sounds like it's probably both.

 

[cklester]

Originally posted by Alec
I'd also look into replacing your battery cables. It could also just be the cables and not the battery itself, but it sounds like it's probably both.

I had it jumped this morning and drove into work. When I shut it off, I immediately tried to start it... didn't start! And it sounded very wimpy.

I'm going to have the battery replaced this afternoon (like at the local Sears or something).

Thanks y'all for the help!!!

-ck