could it be just a relay?...

[2005xltsport]

this question is in regards to my gf's 97 explorer 4.0 sohc...

she's had prolly 3 or 4 new starters put in during the last year or two, so we are trying to figure out what else it could be...just this morning, it wouldn't start...but then she waited a while, then it started right up...she's turned it off and started it a few times since then

she was told by a gentleman with a respectable knowledge of vehicles that her exp may have trouble starting from time to time because of a bad relay?!?...and if it is/could be, how do i know which relay to replace?!?

thanks in advance

 

[marragtop]

When it doesn't start, do you hear anything (maybe clicking sound) when you turn the key to crank it?

 

[jad2411]

My GF's 95 and 02 had that same issue, it turned out to be the ground cable, I replaced it and no more issues...

 

[2005xltsport]

ya, there is a lil click when it doesn't start...when it had done it before, i got under there and banged on the starter and it finally started...so we though it was the starter

 

[eXcali]

Even a cheap start should last 3-4 years. Who installed these? I would check all your wires, heck after the 1st replacement failed I would have changed all my wires. If someone else is doing these fixes I would take it back and make them fix it and show me the old part. There are some shops that will just smack the starter to get it to pop and charge you for replacing it.

If the cable was loose a good bang could have easily made it regain contact.

 

[Dilbert5]

Yes, could be a relay. Under the hood, drivers side of car, there is a power distribution box. there are several relays under the cover. The cover has a diagram that indicates each relays function. I believe that the starter uses a similar relay as the ac (should be a easy visual confirmation). Swap the relays to see if the problem moves. Or course make sure the engine is off when you swap.

 

[2005xltsport]

thanks for your replies guys...

she has been taking it to a friend of her niece's to get fixed, he seems trustworthy...and she been getting the starters from auto zone (ya, i know) but she get a free one each time because of the warranty

i've also considered a faulty wire...i'll plan on checking the ground cable connections

and i'll swap the a/c and starter relays to see if any different happens...but then again her a/c doesn't work all too well either haha

 

[eXcali]

thanks for your replies guys...

she has been taking it to a friend of her niece's to get fixed, he seems trustworthy...and she been getting the starters from auto zone (ya, i know) but she get a free one each time because of the warranty

i've also considered a faulty wire...i'll plan on checking the ground cable connections

and i'll swap the a/c and starter relays to see if any different happens...but then again her a/c doesn't work all too well either haha

If the wires check out and it is being replaced I'd have to say it isn't being mounted correctly. It takes a little skill, practice and possibly shimming to get the starter to line up just right. A little to much pressure from the teeth of the starter to the teeth on the flywheel could cause it to stick to long and wear out the starter.

Also I would bite the bullet and get Autozone to move you up to their premium starter. I've done it with a couple autozones when the part just kept failing, they refunded the cheap one and I bought the next one up.