engine turns over/jumpstart works immediately

[tueglee]

I've had this intermittent problem for about 3 1/2 years now. The problem started while I was in Korea but I've been in Sierra Vista, AZ for last 2 years. After short or long drive the engine won't start. It turns over and over. Sometimes I leave it for about 15-30 minutes and it starts right up -immediately. Sometimes I leave it for about 2 minutes and it starts up. Sunday and today it just wouldn't start. BUT, jumpstarting it brings IMMEDIATE relief. I took it to the Ford dealer 2 years ago and again about 4 months ago and they said that they couldn't find any problem with electrical system, fuel system, air system. It happens about 6-10 times a year. Never happens in the morning when I start my day. The battery was replaced 1 year ago and 2 months ago PepBoy tested it and said it was working fine (this was 30 minutes after I experienced a non-start and subsequent jump). I've just read about the fuel cutoff switch and will look at it - but I'm thinking that just having the jumpstart ALWAYS work seems to indicate a bad battery or connections (I did ask Ford dealer to check this and I have to trust that they did - the bill was substantial.) It is a 96 Ford Explorer V6 XLT, 4WD, 4 door - I bought it in 96 after original owner had it for 4 months. Never been in major accident. I only polish it once a year so maybe it is mad at me....I use Shell regular and have the vehicle serviced once a year at the Ford dealership.

 

[Verno]

My guess is you have a failing Neg battery cable. If you are going direct to ground during jump start and not Neg terminal (Which is correct way) then you have pretty much identified your problem already. They aren't that expensive to change.

 

[tueglee]

back to Verno

I'll replace the neg cable. Based upon your reply, technically, if I had done the jump start 'correctly' (to neg terminal instead of to chassis) it is probable that the engine would not have started at that time? (I'm not much of a mechanic)

 

[Verno]

I'll replace the neg cable. Based upon your reply, technically, if I had done the jump start 'correctly' (to neg terminal instead of to chassis) it is probable that the engine would not have started at that time? (I'm not much of a mechanic)

Maybe I confused you. A correct Jump start connects the NEG of good battery to a ground (I use motor) of dead vehicle and POS to POS. Hope that clarifies

 

[tueglee]

understood

understand - thanks for your quick reply - I hope this is the real fix - and maybe I'll ask the Ford dealership to give me back some money - hah!