04 explorer No Crank

[pretend7979]

Hello everyone!

I have an 04 explorer with a bit of an issue..
Not cranking when trying to start.
I did find a few threads here, but couldn't resolve it based on what I did find.
This one - Ford Explorer Starter No crank procedure - the basis for the guide is the same, but seemed like some of the fuses / relays were a bit different.
I ended up replacing the starter - but no luck.

Also to note - The anti-theft light stays solid when trying to start (I think that's good?)
Odometer does show mileage when it's in the ON position
When I try to start it - all lights, except a few on the dash go off - as well as the radio
No recent changes or anything
I'll also note that the timing guide had been making a bit of a rattle - but would that cause a no crank situation if it had failed???
This seems like something electrical.
I also heard there was a large relay for the starter near the battery somewhere?
Anyway, I'm out of ideas, any help would be appreciated.

 

[pretend7979]

Update....
Still haven't got it.
Tested the wiring out of the relay to the starter, not getting anything when I turn the key going to the starter, so I had assumed I found the problem. Bad wiring, so I jumped the relay, and the starter motor goes, but the vehicle doesn't start. So I assumed ignition switch, took the steering column apart, power exits at 12v when I turn the key. So I figured it was wiring that wasn't getting to the relay from the key turn to the relay. So I bypassed the relay altogether, and hooked it up from the ignition switch directly to the starter. It cranks now but won't start.
I don't know if I'm bypassing something important, but that could tell me what it is. Any ideas?

 

[Gilligan]

Hello everyone!

I have an 04 explorer with a bit of an issue..
Not cranking when trying to start.
I did find a few threads here, but couldn't resolve it based on what I did find.
This one - Ford Explorer Starter No crank procedure - the basis for the guide is the same, but seemed like some of the fuses / relays were a bit different.
I ended up replacing the starter - but no luck.

Also to note - The anti-theft light stays solid when trying to start (I think that's good?)
Odometer does show mileage when it's in the ON position
When I try to start it - all lights, except a few on the dash go off - as well as the radio
No recent changes or anything
I'll also note that the timing guide had been making a bit of a rattle - but would that cause a no crank situation if it had failed???
This seems like something electrical.
I also heard there was a large relay for the starter near the battery somewhere?
Anyway, I'm out of ideas, any help would be appreciated.

 

[Gilligan]

I had an issue similiar to your's but it was with a key that was bad. One would crank the engine the other only moves in the key cyclinder. Try different keys.

 

[pretend7979]

Unfortunately I only have one key.
Wouldn't the pats light go crazy if it was a key issue? Or not necessarily?

 

[Gilligan]

I haven't noticed that with my bad key.

Take your title to the Dealer and see if they can check your current key and or make another key for you.

 

[swshawaii]

SECURILOCK PASSIVE ANTI-THEFT SYSTEM (Pages 90-93)
http://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/catalog/owner_guides/04expog3e.pdf

The theft indicator is located on top of the instrument panel.

• When the ignition is in the 1 (OFF/LOCK) position, the indicator will flash once every 2 seconds to indicate the SecuriLock system is functioning as a theft deterrent.

• When the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position, the indicator will glow for 3 seconds to indicate normal system functionality. If a problem occurs with the SecuriLock system, the indicator will flash rapidly or glow steadily when the ignition is in the 3 (ON) position. If this occurs, the vehicle should be taken to an authorized dealer for service

"No Crank" meaning the starter turns over the engine but won't start?

 

[pretend7979]

Sorry no, not even that much. I put the key in, turn it over, but there's no sound. Dash looks Good, the pats light glows, doesn't flash rapidly. Just nothing happens.
If I take a screwdriver to the starter, it turns, and turns the engine, but won't start.

 

[imp]

Does fuel pump turn on when keyed ON? imp

 

[saewoody]

Don’t need know if you got this fixed yet, but I had that issue on my 97 years ago. I believe it was the crank position center which is mounted at the front of the engine near the bottom (right near the crank). I tried to replace mine, but couldn’t get at one of the bolts. I ended up wiping it off because it was it was covered by a thick layer of dirt and grime. That ended up solving the problem. I believe the signal was weak because of the grime.

 

[imp]

Don’t need know if you got this fixed yet, but I had that issue on my 97 years ago. I believe it was the crank position center which is mounted at the front of the engine near the bottom (right near the crank). I tried to replace mine, but couldn’t get at one of the bolts. I ended up wiping it off because it was it was covered by a thick layer of dirt and grime. That ended up solving the problem. I believe the signal was weak because of the grime.

@saewoody
I've often wondered about this situation. You answered the questions in my mind! Thanks so much for telling us this. Comparing sensors like transmission speed babies, which "look" at spinning toothed wheels INSIDE the gearbox, where everything stays clean, with the front of the engine mounted Crankshaft Position Sensor, exposed to all the **** blown off the roadway, would say they may get "bad" due to dirt. Go figure! imp