Explorer won't start....

[Currency]

So my explorer has been sitting for about a month now, I've been having starting issues....

When I try to start it I hear a single click coming from the starter solenoid which is the fender mounted one.

I recharged the battery because it was dead from sitting, was a new one too

I replaced the starter solenoid and still have the same issue.

Tried tapping on the starter also and the same.

I'm not 100% sure of this one but I'm guessing its a bad ground connection or something. Anyone else have any idea's?

Thanks, hopefully she will be running again soon since I just renewed the plates and insurance for another year.

 

[esploder91]

I would pull the starter and have it tested, then clean the mounting area and where it goes into the tranny good because that acts as a ground also. My other thought would be ignition switch.

 

[coghij1]

I would check the positive battery cable VERY well. Even if the terminal looks clean, the area where the wire connects to the terminal could be corroded. Let us know if you find anything. Good luck

 

[esploder91]

Yep good call on the cables also, I know mine need a good cleaning at least once a year.

 

[jd4242]

check the ground on the engine on the pass side

 

[justin69]

+1 on the ground cable mine just did it the other day. it was my ground. I just gave it a lil twist on the terminal to get it more snug and vroom! I need to replace my cable terminal but she's good for now.

 

[92exp4x4]

Have a friend sit in the drivers seat and give them the keys. Take a volt meter and conect it to the battery. Ask your helper to try to start the engine. look at the meter and note the drop in voltage.

A charged battery sitting with no load should have 12.6 to 13.2 volts. IF while trying the crank the engine, the voltage should not drop below 10 volts. If the voltage drops below 10 under load, then the battery is weak and needs charged/ replaced. If it drops way low like 2 volts, then you may a have a short in the system, be careful it may explode or catch fire. Do not ever intentionally short a battery, even a "dead" one.

When ever a car battery goes dead even new, they almost always never come back to thier original strength. If it was dead over winter and froze, it will be junk.

 

[Currency]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I pulled the starter and tested it, it wouldn't spin. So I headed up to NAPA and got a new one for around $102 with my discount and it was bad too. I have to wait till tomorrow because they were closed by the time I was done messing around.

Anyone have a picture of the fender mounted starter solenoid? I think mine may be causing more problems.

Thanks

 

[nexis]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1532725&postcount=2

 

[Currency]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1532725&postcount=2

Thanks, are there two wires attached to the right side or just one?

I had to cut the black rubber piece because my new one has the mounts on the sides and not the top.

 

[Tbars4]

...Bottom of first post...
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=250186

 

[mawrazen]

I have been having the same problem! I have isolated the cause.

Go you her a click and the fuel pump prime when you turn the key?

I have a 1994 Eddie Bauer bought used at 174K and she now has 301+K miles on the original engine and tranny.

I have had an intermitant no start condition for about 2 months.
The first time, I called for help but got it started before they arrived.

My no start condition has been caused by the sockets in the main power distribution panel. Over time the sockets to the relays melt and cause a loss of contact. This problem had originally developed on the Fuse Pump Relay and has now spread to the wires/connectors to the main fuse panel. I was able to get it to start after pushing on the relays/fuses and wires in the box.

I have not reconditioned any sockets except for the Fuel pump relay. It seems to be a bad connection in/under the Main fuse panel. I think it is fuse #16. I Hope to isolate it the next time it wont start.

 

[Currency]

Thanks for the replies everyone. Seems I had one of the wires on the wrong side, well one on each side was wrong. I had taken my relay off days before I installed the new one so I looked at a friends 89 ranger but I had more wires than he did and that caused me to mess up I believe.

I picked up the new starter about an hour ago and she fired right up. I guess I learned from my mistake by pulling the old relay off ahead of time

Thanks again everyone.

 

[docksider]

Negative cable screw (on engine block)

Having the same trouble (single click) -- replaced starter relay on fender and once I got multiple clicks now back to single click -Giving my battery a good charge now. Bought new cables from Napa (thanks Tbars) but the bolt that holds the negative cable to the engine block is tighter than all get out -- Any suggestions Thanks

 

[docksider]

positive battery cable seems to have been my trouble - replaced it and man what a smooth start (so far so good) -- stiil trouble w the negative cable but I think I'll just splice the new one in where it comes up from the engine block -- this forum rocks