Electrical problems...dead '92 XLT

[Boyd Who]

I was hoping to do an intro first, but I have a major problem.
I have a 1992 XLT 4x4 with the 4.0L/5-speed, and it's dead.

I went out this morning, shut off the alarm (after-market) got in and started it, and let it warm up for a minute or so. I backed out of my driveway, then stalled it when I went to pull away. When I tried to re-start it I got nothing, except the alarm tripped when I turned the key back off. I shut the alarm off again, tried to start it, and same thing...nothing until I turned the key back to the off position and then the alarm would go off again.

I still have lights, stereo, etc. The power windows and door locks didn't want to work, or were very sluggish. I changed the battery cable ends, cleaned the posts, tried boosting it, then finally tried a battery that I knew was good. Still nothing. I then tried jumping the solenoid, it would click but not turn over.

Could it be a bad starter? I think I'll replace the solenoid and starter tomorrow unless someone can suggest something else to try.

I don't know what else to do! I just bought the XLT last week and so far it's been a great unit. It's my first foray into the wonderful world of SUV's and 4x4's.

Thanks in advance. I'll get an intro posted asap.

 

[Robb]

Does the aftermarket alarm have a starter disable relay installed in the circuit? With the way it is acting, that would be my first suspect.

 

[Boyd Who]

I don't know. How would I check? The guy I bought it off didn't have any of the manuals for the stereo or alarm system.

 

[MazdaGreg]

Sounds like the positive cable that runs from the Solenoid down to the Starter. Also, could be a starter. If you jumped the Solenoid, there is nothing between that and the starter, so starter kill would have nothing to do with that. That cable has a tendency to get oil soaked on the older Explorers, and can deteriorate.

Could be your starter too. If the cable ends are good, and it looks sound, go smack the starter a few times with a hammer, and see what happens.

MAKE SURE IT'S OUT OF GEAR BEFORE YOU START JUMPING THE SOLENOID. PEOPLE RUN THEMSELVES OVER DOING THAT! good luck!

 

[Boyd Who]

Thanks MazdaGreg! I'll look into the cable and starter this morning.

 

[JDraper]

I'd agree w/MazdaGreg. The positive cable can get internal corrosion in it, leading to a no-start condition. I had the same happen with my old '92X. Had just about the exact same symptoms. All my accessories worked, but no start. Tried replacing the cable ends...no go. Finally tested the cables for resistance and found them in the 200kohm range. Replaced the whole positive battery wire harness ($30 or so at Pep Boys) and the problem was solved.

 

[Boyd Who]

I'm going to have to wait till Monday. None of the local parts places have an OEM style battery cable, just the common universal ones. I'll check with Ford in the morning. I've never seen a factory cable that looks like this one before!
Grrrr! I'm used to working on vintage hotrods and bikes, not "modern" stuff.

 

[Boyd Who]

A great big THANK YOU!!!! to all who gave me advice. I just finished replacing the + battery cable and the solenoid (broke it installing the cables, d'oh!) and the X fired right up! Woohoo! The power of the internet and knowledgable people lives on!