93 explorer won't crank

[audraa86]

I have a 93 Explorer, haven't had any major mechanical problems until now. I tried to start it yesterday, and all I get is a "click"... and that's it. It doesn't even try to crank. I've replaced the starter, the starter relay, the battery, and I'm at a loss as to what else it could be. I've tested all the wiring and its fine. I need some ideas as to what else it could possibly be!!!!!!!

 

[Lt.Jim]

Check your battery cables. Explorers are known for corrosion not only on the outside but the inside as well.

 

[IZwack]

x2 on the cable or battery clamps -- clean em.

 

[audraa86]

The cables seemed to check ok, I'm getting little to no resistance when I test them. I cleaned the clamps when I replaced the battery, so there's no problem there as far as I can tell.

 

[Bwana Bob]

I had the positive battery cable fail on mine. It had a high resistance where the cable joins the lead-encased lug. Everything, including lights, would run, but the resistance was just high enough to keep it from cranking. Bear in mind that the starter motor probably draws a couple hundred amps, so even a little resistance in the cable is enough to cause a big voltage drop.

Measure the voltage at the battery terminal when cranking, then measure the voltage at the big red wire on the starter motor when cranking. If the voltage is good at the battery, but drops to a low value at the starter, the cable is at fault.

Bob

 

[twspcw]

I had the same problem for months on a '91 4wd. No one could figure it out. After reading some suggestions in this forum, I replaced the cables with OEM parts from AutoZone. It is now fixed! Many have said what a headache it is to replace the cables, but it isn't so bad if you take the front passenger wheel off to get to the cable connection on the side of the engine block.
Best of luck on your repair.

 

[Ryan1]

theres a wiring harness that runs on the drivers side (under the hood) and somtimes comes in contact with the exhaust manifold which in turn melts the wires causing it to ground out.

this problem haunted me forever. Mine would just ramdomly do it. It would start fine for a while then I go to start it and just click. I had the problem for over a year before i tracked it down.

I replaced the batter cables, starter, starter relay. then finally if found that. I repaired the wire and no problems


Might not be it but its worth a try.