I have a 91 Ford Explorer. I am having problems with the solenoid switch. It wouldnt start so I replaced it. The guy at the part shop said I may need a voltage regulator if it didnt fix the problem. I then drove for a week with no problems. Then it didnt start again. I jumped it,drove up the road and the brakes made a few semi-loud popping sounds and stopped working. I had rear brakes but the fronts only made a grinding sound. I checked the brakes and there were no visible problems. I need to know if there is a way the electrical problem could be affecting my brakes, and if so how can I fix it. Thanks in advance for any help you could give.
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Electrical problems leading to brake failure?
- Thread starter fiveow
- Start date
Ira
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- October 10, 1999
- Messages
- 368
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- City, State
- Northeast Tennessee
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 91 XLT 4x4
I won't say that the brakes would not have an effect on the engine starting. I don't see how it could, but I have seen some crazy things. As for your starter problem, been there...done that. About 3 months ago, hit the ignition...nothing, engine would not turn over. Kept trying but still would not crank. Had not had any problems with cranking at all before. First step to diagnosing was to jump power across the starter relay/solenoid that is under the hood. When I did, a very weak spark...almost nothing. That told me the problem was farther down. Went to starter and removed it and solenoid. Jumped power directly to it (starte) and it cranked. This told me it was the solenoid on the starter so I went out and got one. When I finished putting it on and hit the key, nothing. Time to scratch my head. I then started jumping power directly to the starter and sometimes it would work and other times it would not. I then disassembled the starter and found 1 brush was no longer with us. Went to local starter shop, purchased a brush card for $16, installed it, and no more problems.
There have also been problems with the battery cables on these models. I think it is the positive cable. Just a few inches down the cable from the battery, corrosion develops inside the wire and it also causes problems like this. You can't see the corrosion because it is inside the wire. Wire has to be replaced.
Good luck.
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Ira
91 XLT 4x4
What do Playboy and National Geographic have in common? Just a couple of the places I will never get to visit
There have also been problems with the battery cables on these models. I think it is the positive cable. Just a few inches down the cable from the battery, corrosion develops inside the wire and it also causes problems like this. You can't see the corrosion because it is inside the wire. Wire has to be replaced.
Good luck.
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Ira
91 XLT 4x4
What do Playboy and National Geographic have in common? Just a couple of the places I will never get to visit
This probably is'nt gonna answer anything but just an experience.
I took my Lincoln Mark VII to the car wash and blasted the engine compartment down, drove home no problems, later get in ,, and no brakes. The anti-lock brake system on this car is salty and complex, I blew out a pump relay, and something else, which believe it, was located in the trunk under the deck between the speakers.
So it is possible!
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91 Sport
I took my Lincoln Mark VII to the car wash and blasted the engine compartment down, drove home no problems, later get in ,, and no brakes. The anti-lock brake system on this car is salty and complex, I blew out a pump relay, and something else, which believe it, was located in the trunk under the deck between the speakers.
So it is possible!
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91 Sport
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