2000 Explorer won't start - Theft light *not* blinking

[LoudNoiseElitist]

I've been searching the forums for a while now, and while I've found a lot of useful information, I'm still trying to find something that relates directly to the issue I'm having.

The 2000 Explorer I bought over a year ago has been a real turd. I've had a fair share of electronic glitches (windshield wipers short out, battery terminal repairs, etc) along with the dreaded transmission solenoid problem, which is apparently very common.

Now, the truck won't start. For a few weeks, this would happen intermittently. Usually I would fiddle with the key a bit and it would start. A couple of weeks ago, it became permanent. Since then, I've gotten it to start once. I drove it around the apartment and parked it, shut it off, and it wouldn't start again.

Here's a list of the symptoms:

• When turning the key, the THEFT light comes on, and after a few seconds goes off. As far as I can tell, this is normal.
• When you turn the key all the way to start it, the THEFT light goes off, and does not blink.
• When turning the key to start the truck, the AC and radio cut off, the dash stays lit until the key is returned back from the start position.
• There is no audible sound coming from under the hood when the key is turned.
• The few times I've gotten the truck to start, it starts without a hitch.

The closest thing I've seen is someone talking about the shift position sensor. any other ideas?

 

[jbowden718]

Your issue sounds very similar to what happened with my 99 Explorer last summer. The car would on occasion not start. I would not even get the dashboard to light up upon putting the key in the vehicle. It so happen to correspond with me replacing the battery. Apparently the negative battery wire got very used to sitting a certain way for years and I had to constantly connect and disconnect the battery until it finally got back into its groove. Sounds crazy but it worked. I would check your battery cables and your ground wire. Hope this helps.

 

[LoudNoiseElitist]

I've double-checked the battery cables, and everything seems okay.

I had a similar issue a while back and had to replace the terminals. However, this problem is different in that the interior lights stay on when the key is turned to the start position.

 

[budwich]

It's unlikely that you have a sensor issue since your AC and radio cut out.... most likely a rotted power / ground cable... lots of posts on people doing an "autopsy" on the cable to find the problem.

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Check the ground cable connection where it
bolts to the starter. This connection causes a
fair share of trouble on Fords, due to corrosion
build-up.

Since it's underneath the vehicle and hard to
access, it's often overlooked....

 

[Runnin'OnEmpty]

Also try 'jiggling' the gear shift while trying
to start it. If it's a bad NSS (neutral safety
switch), this will usually confirm it.

Also try starting it in neutral rather than park.

 

[vroomzoomboom]

im just going to throw this out, but can you hear the fuel pump cycle, and shut off when you turn the key?

 

[LoudNoiseElitist]

On a whim, I decided to check the starter relay. I swapped it and the blower motor relay, and what do you know? The truck started right up and the fans didn't. The part cost me $14. Thanks for the help.