Engine will not Crank

[tomrains]

This happens about once per week. When I try to start the engine, it will not crank. The lights, horn, fan, radio, all work. The battery was replaced at first. Then have replaced the starter twice, a new solenoid. Also replaced the relays in the black box under the hood. Any ideas? I am wondering if it could be the neutral start safety switch on the transmission......

 

[High_Order1]

Well,

That's a huge question. First you would need to know why they replaced the starter, solenoid, and relays. If these people are soaking you and blindly replacing stuff, then it could be the NSS. Otherwise, probably not.

I am betting its' not the battery if the headlamps come on brightly.

The problem is that you need the problem to happen in order to diagnose it. Whatever it is probably will not be simple to find. You could start by buying a ford service DVD off of ebay, then using the pinpoint diagnosis chart to run through and rule out some stuff.

Not much help, but that question is as broad as it is long....

Shawn

 

[tomrains]

Explorer no start situation

Hey Shawn,
Thanks for the suggestion about the manual. I will get one and try to diagnose. The problem is that it will happen when I am away from home and probably won't have my tools.

It is for sure not the battery, as mentioned, all things work other than the starter. The last time it happened, my son and I banged the gear shift lever repeatedly into and out of park. The no-start has not happened in the last 4 days. Really makes me think that it is the neutral start safety switch.

 

[corkey]

wiggle the shifter at the same time as turning the key ?

 

[dj210]

It could be a sign that your fuel filter is clogged or fuel pump is going bad, if this happens again listen for the wining up of the fuel pump when you turn the car to the on position before starting. If it is dead silent then the pump is not coming on.

 

[xTOM153x]

this happened to me but when it happened it just stop working and wouldnt work again when i turned the key i would get a loud single click and all accessories worked lights radio etc. brought it in the shop found out it was the alternator maybe check the voltage of it dont know if you got a bad one or not who knows

 

[DLinkOZ]

wiggle the shifter at the same time as turning the key ?

Or push it all the way up, to ensure everything registers that it's in park. Had a loose linkage on a foxbody once upon a time, had to push forward on the gearshift (in park) while turning the key.