#5 50 amp fuse blowing

[20014.0xlt]

Yesterday I went to start start my explorer and it started but it sounded like the starter was still engaged. I turned it off, tried starting it again, same thing, except when I turned the key off the starter was still running. Finally after 5 seconds or so it turned off. Then I went to start it again and I lost all power to the dash and no start. I checked for blown fuses, found #26 (mini fuse) was blown and a big fuse (50 amp) in the BJB was also blown. I replaced both fuses and tried starting it, blew the 50 amp fuse again. I replaced the ignition switch, tried it again, blew the fuse again. any suggestions?

2001 4.0L 4x4 XLT

 

[koda2000]

replace your starter. the solenoid is sticking. Idk if the 2001 still also had a secondary starter solenoid mounted on the fender or not. If it still did, it could also be that solenoid is sticking. if fuses are blowing, you now a short in the starting system, again caused by the starter/solenoid.

 

[20014.0xlt]

That would make the fuse blow? Thanks, Ill do that today and see what happens. appreciate the answer.

 

[2000StreetRod]

wiring diagram

You might try swapping the starter motor relay with another identical relay in the battery junction box. However, I suspect Fuse 5 is blowing because the starter engagement/release is faulty causing excessive current to flow thru the starter solenoid. If replacing the starter does not fix the problem the teeth on the flex plate may have been damaged by the starter.

 

[koda2000]

That would make the fuse blow? Thanks, Ill do that today and see what happens. appreciate the answer.

no. a direct short (power to ground), excessive resistance or excessive current draw will cause a fuse to blow.

solenoids are high amp switches/relays that are used to supply power to high amp devices (like starter motors). Once energized, an electro magnet in the solenoid makes the electrical connection transferring power to the device until the power stops flowing to the electro magnet. If the "plunger" inside the solenoid sticks, it keeps transferring power even when the electro magnet is no longer energized.

some Fords use 2 starter solenoids and some just one. there's usually one mounted on the starter motor, and sometimes there's one on the driver's side fender (or firewall) under the hood.

My guess is the one on your starter motor is sticking, but either one sticking would cause the starter motor to keep running even once the engine is started. the fact that you're now blowing fuses is probably because your starter is fried.

 

[20014.0xlt]

had the starter tested, it passed, I put it back in, started right up no problem. Then I shut it off and went to turn it back on again, same thing happened it started up and the starter was still engaged, then I turned it off but the starter was still going. I just had the starter replaced, 2 weeks ago. how about a relay?

 

[Turdle]

had the starter tested, it passed, I put it back in, started right up no problem. Then I shut it off and went to turn it back on again, same thing happened it started up and the starter was still engaged, then I turned it off but the starter was still going. I just had the starter replaced, 2 weeks ago. how about a relay?

Yes, there is starter relay which can stick, however-

If the problem started with the new starter, then you got a bad starter. Some of these ford starters will test good with an intermittent problem like this.

 

[20014.0xlt]

i follow what you are saying. thank you.