94 explorer sport will not crank without having to go under hood hit starter silinoid

[mrm121998]

My 94 Ford Explorer Sport will not turn over with the key, but I can turn the ignition key and get under the hood and touch the starter silinoid and the truck will crank. That is the only way to get the truck to crank. What could be the problem. My truck was put on diagnosis and the only thing wrong with it was the Air Flow censor, before I replaced the censor the truck would crank up fine through the ignition. And now that I have replaced the censor the truck will not crank through the ignition. What else can I do to make my truck crank from the ignition?

 

[CDW6212R]

What do you mean by "touch" the solenoid? If you mean hit, or tap hard, then it's a good bet the starter solenoid is bad. My 91 did that, after setting for three years. Good luck,

 

[falls guy]

First I'd check to make sure there are no loose connections at the starter. If there isn't, do yourself the favour and by a whole new starter. Not just the selenoid. If it's a dead spot inside the starter, you don't want to do the job twice. Good luck.
Peace