98 4.0 auto tranny won't start....tried everything......please help...

[dustin.vallee]

Hi I'm new to the forum and I could really use a hand. My 98 explorer will not start consistently. It has started right up and worked perfect for up to a week and then I will not be able to get it started for anything for a while. Then out of nowhere it will start just fine again for a while. When it's not starting I put the key in the run position, dash lights come on and then when I try to start it I get a click sound and then nothing. The accessory lights will no longer come on... I get absolutely nothing. If I unhook the battery and then hook it back up I will get the accessory lights back until I try to start it again. I have replaced the starter and the solenoid that is on the starter, the relay in the power distribution box, and the battery. The alarm light for the PATS system is working properly when the dash lights come on. I pulled out the entire wiring harness for the charging system, examined it, and cleaned it up and made sure there weren't any area's with exposed wire, still the same problem though. I am completely stumped here and would greatly appreciate any help. Thank you in advance.

 

[my98nnj]

The only other item to look at is the ignition switch.

 

[jevchance]

Usually a click is the corrosion on the positive battery cable (either at the battery or at the solenoid), the battery, the solenoid, or a bad ground to the block.

FWIW I replaced a Mustang solenoid with an aftermarket unit and it broke two days later, always use an OEM solenoid.