2004 Explorer wont start

[alpar80]

I had a bad left front wheel bearing and replaced it however, when doing so the ABS speed sensor snapped because it was rusted into the old hub. When finished, I started the car and drove it to my brother in law's, as i was pulling into his street I noticed all of the gages on the instrument panel had failed, the car lost power and now will not start. All I hear when I go to turn the car over is a clicking sound and no indications (fuel, bat) on the gages. Could this be because the ABS speed sensor had been broken?? Please help, this is our only car and we are home bound with out it.

 

[swetrid]

Sounds like a battery/alternator problem. Try jump starting it and then see if the alternator is charging the battery, should be 14 volts or so.

 

[imp]

..... Could this be because the ABS speed sensor had been broken?? Absolutely Not!

 

[alpar80]

tested the alt and passed. bought a new battery, worked for three days and now back to square one. could the test be wrong? is this a computer issue?

 

[imp]

tested the alt and passed. bought a new battery, worked for three days WHAT worked for 3 days, you, on the vehicle, or did it RUN for 3 days, and quit? Not clear ....and now back to square one. could the test be wrong? is this a computer issue? Maybe, but might not be it's fault (key problem). Computer failure itself is unusual

All the basics we learned as teenagers still apply, remember. So,

Does engine crank over, or still just a "click"? If no crank, is engine free to turn? See if a socket wrench/breaker bar applied to front of crankshaft at damper, will allow turning it by hand. If "seized", big engine mechanical issue is present. If it turns manually, something is preventing the starting system from doing that for you. 2004 has no underhood starter solenoid, so that possibility is gone. Is starter motor good? Is starter motor solenoid operating? It both engages the starter drive, and then turns on the starter motor to crank the engine. Is the ignition key energizing the starter? Is the key being used possibly damaged? Can you try the other key which Ford supplied with the vehicle? These keys are "read" by the computer, and starting is impossible if the computer cannot identify the key.

If the engine turns over normally, but fails to start, look for: Is ignition present (spark at plugs)? If no spark, possibly failed ignition coil. Is fuel present at fuel rail? If spark good, fuel no, look into failed fuel pump, fuel pump relay, check fuses which "feed" power to these items. If fuse "blown", replace. If new fuse "blows", look for short circuited device or wiring.

Good luck. imp