explorer wont start help

[rickjamestb]

i have a 2002 4.6 explorer, when i turn the key to start nothing happens. starter doesnt turn over nothing. but i can hear the relay clicking in.

do you guys think this might be a start/solenoid problem?

and help would be great.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Connect a test light to the starter, and try to crank it. The starter or the connection might be bad if you see the light turn. This will tell you that the starter has voltage being applied to it, but it's not turning over.

 

[dmstangu]

time for a new battery...

 

[rickjamestb]

time for a new battery...

everything still works but it wont start

 

[dmstangu]

Did you try jumping it from another truck?

 

[rickjamestb]

yes

 

[zerodevil]

dumb question...is the key programed?...thats what the relay sound should indicate...if not the starter is pretty easy to see, make sure its still connected securely.

 

[ummduh]

What is the "theft" light doing? On/off?

 

[Lacky01]

theft light is the PATS

see this thread, it may help.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=241545

check fuses first, then the relay.

actually read the thread first please, good info

 

[rickjamestb]

What is the "theft" light doing? On/off?

stays on so do all the others

 

[ummduh]

stays on so do all the others

if that light is staying on then for some reason the security system is cutting ignition for the engine. Maybe your key went bad/got wet/got smashed..

Have you tried another key? (that has been previously programmed) The computer is programmed to only start with keys that have been programmed to the computer. (actually it's the other way around, the computer has to be programmed to each individual key..) They each give a unique ID to the comp which it has to know of before it'll start.

edit: the starter doesn't do anything at all? it'd at least crank without the correct key, I believe. My Focus does.

 

[rickjamestb]

if that light is staying on then for some reason the security system is cutting ignition for the engine. Maybe your key went bad/got wet/got smashed..

Have you tried another key? (that has been previously programmed) The computer is programmed to only start with keys that have been programmed to the computer. (actually it's the other way around, the computer has to be programmed to each individual key..) They each give a unique ID to the comp which it has to know of before it'll start.

edit: the starter doesn't do anything at all? it'd at least crank without the correct key, I believe. My Focus does.

im not sure if the key is programed. i know the ppl who had it before me said that someone busted the ignition out and they had to put a new one in and they key wont unlock the doors idk if thats any help

 

[fyrfyter612]

I'm guessing it's not the PATS system. If the PATS system activates the engine should crank over but just not start. My guess would be the starter. Might be a dead spot on the starter. An easy way to check this is have someone get in the truck and try to crank the engine over. While they do that lay under the truck and tap the starter with a hammer. If it starts then it's a dead spot on the starter and time to replace it. Just do this safely..make sure the person inside keeps pressure on the brakes, set the parking brake and even chock the wheels.

 

[rickjamestb]

I'm guessing it's not the PATS system. If the PATS system activates the engine should crank over but just not start. My guess would be the starter. Might be a dead spot on the starter. An easy way to check this is have someone get in the truck and try to crank the engine over. While they do that lay under the truck and tap the starter with a hammer. If it starts then it's a dead spot on the starter and time to replace it. Just do this safely..make sure the person inside keeps pressure on the brakes, set the parking brake and even chock the wheels.

we tried that and nothing

 

[Lacky01]

relays and fuses!!!!

last thing I checked when it happened to me, but thats what it was.

 

[rickjamestb]

relays and fuses!!!!

last thing I checked when it happened to me, but thats what it was.

yeah checked those to lol still nothing

 

[fyrfyter612]

Ok....then get a test light and get back under. The thick red wire going to the starter should have battery power all the time. The thin wire should get power when the key is in the crank position. If those are both getting power when they should be then it's the starter...if not u'll have to get the wiring schematic and trace the circuits back to find out what the problem is.