Explorer Won't Start

[Fallin_Apart]

It's a 94, 4.0, auto., push button 4wd. When you turn the key over to the start position there is a LOUD clicking noise coming from the passenger side of the vehicle, seems like under the fusebox that has fuses for ABS HEATER BLOWER RELAY, AC RELAY, ABS ELECTRICAL CONTROL RELAY, FUEL PUMP RELAY if that helps. The truck won't even turn over. The battery seems to have power as headlights are bright as can be. It's like there's something holding it back between the battery and starter. Nothing but loud clicking. Is this a common problem, or is there a common fix for this and a part I can get and replace so I won't have to go speak to my friendly mechanic so he can give me a friendly bill... Thanks

 

[Green91]

Is a starter wire loose? Same thing happened to me today actually, after I moved it, it started right up.

 

[HondaKiller]

do you hear the fuel pump turn on when you turn the key? Also, when you turn the key to the on position, is the check engine light illuminated? If not, check the EEC POWER RELAY one down from the fuel pump relay (which could also be the problem alone, if not both) but i had a similar problem and ill i did was turn the key to the on position, jiggle the eec power relay until it clicks. And when or if it does click, check to see if that check engine light is illuminated. You should also hear the fuel pump turn on at this time as well. Everybodys situation is different, but thats what worked for me. Good luck! Later, HK.

 

[DeRocha]

Welcome to the site.
The click you hear is from the Starter relay mounted on the passenger finder next to the battery (pic below). How old is your starter? I could be any number of simple things, but I would tap the starter motor (located on the driver's side).. Tapping an old motor can help free it up and get it going again..

Search on Starter Problems and you'll get lots of info.

 

[dogfriend]

I had the starter relay fail on my Ranger and it would make a loud clicking noise while the key was in the start position. I'm betting that the relay is the problem.

 

[Josh]

Battery cables will cause that problem. Even if they look good, they corrode on the inside and go bad. There are 2 bolts holding the starter in. You can take it out and use jumper cables and the battery to test it. If it turns over free, smooth, and fast, try replaceing the Possitive battery cable between the starter and the battery. If you replace one, you might as well replace both.

 

[Fallin_Apart]

Thanks y'all

 

[EBInterceptor]

Have you tried jumping it? Mine will do the same if the battery is low enough. Enough power to run everything else, but not enough to run the starter.

 

[ExplorerDMB]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1330443

 

[cpu-tech]

"hydro-lock"?

Don't rule out a cylinder full of coolant, or fuel, which will not compress. This will keep your engine from turning over. The starter will try, but to no avail.

If you even suspect this, pull the spark plugs AND REMOVE THE COIL WIRE (if any) to keep arcs/sparks from even occurring. My friend burned his Taurus to the ground by getting a cylinder full of gasoline, pulling the plugs, hitting the starter, and the plug wires arced and put an end to the entire problem...

If yours is a manual transmission, don't try towing / pushing it to start it until you're sure that the engine isn't locked/stuck due to liquid above the piston. It can or will break the crankshaft or rod.

Good luck!

:roll:

 

[DeRocha]

Don't rule out a cylinder full of coolant, or fuel, which will not compress. This will keep your engine from turning over. The starter will try, but to no avail.

If you even suspect this, pull the spark plugs AND REMOVE THE COIL WIRE (if any) to keep arcs/sparks from even occurring. My friend burned his Taurus to the ground by getting a cylinder full of gasoline, pulling the plugs, hitting the starter, and the plug wires arced and put an end to the entire problem...

If yours is a manual transmission, don't try towing / pushing it to start it until you're sure that the engine isn't locked/stuck due to liquid above the piston. It can or will break the crankshaft or rod.

Good luck!

:roll:

The hydrolocked info above is 100% on the money, but the initial post indicated the starter was not engaging... A starter failing to engage is a problem with the starter electrical circuit.