Explorer won't start.

[schroerj]

2004 Ford Explorer XLT. As I was pulling off the freeway this evening, I heard a click. The ABS light started to flash, and my dash went dim. As I pulled into the driveway, the dash went completely dead, but the explorer continued to run. The headlights were extremely dim as well. Once I put it into park, it shut off. I opened the hood and there's a strong smell of gas. When I try to start it, all it does is click a few times. The accessory plug still works, but nothing else (lights, etc.)

 

[schroerj]

I went out now, after it sat for 3 hours, and tried to start it again. The anti-theft light comes on solid as you turn the key to start, but it does go out after about a second and then it starts. Hopefully when I go to start it in the morning the same thing will happen and I will be able to get it to a mechanic.

 

[BigRondo]

I know that a weak battery can play hell with these vehicles. How is your battery and alternator?

 

[jayton]

I would say that sounds like a bad alternator.

Is there much corrosion on the battery terminals? Sometimes corrosion can build up so much that the connection is not good enough for the alternator to charge the battery.