help me to start my explorer!!! plzzzzzzzz!!!

[heckynah]

Ok fellahs and femmes.....I've put a new starter in, checked the wiring and made sure the battery is all connected right! I've had the alternator checked and it is in perfect condition.....but the car still won't start! When i turn the key i get full power but then all i get is a click! I hear the click and it sounds like it is near the upper part of the hood near the windshield on the passenger side! Please give me suggestions on how to fix the problem because meanwhile the tranny on my wife's mini van is going out so i'll have to replace that soon! Helppp!

 

[DeRocha]

The click you hear is the starter solenoid located on the passenger fender next to the battery.. This component has 2 large post sticking out from it. One post goes to the battery (and is a constant 12v) and the other to the starter (12v only when key is turned to start). If you have a volt or multi meter you can test it, otherwise take a screwdriver and touch the two posts of the solenoid together. This is perfectly fine to do and will send power to the starter.. If the starter fires up then the solenoid is the problem; otherwise the problem is most likely in the wire(s) going to the starter. It is very common for these wires to have internal corrosion (not visible from the outside) which prevents enough power from reaching the solenoid mounted on the starter. If the power is too low then solenoid will not engage and connect the battery to the starter..

Anyway there are various Starter problem thread all over the place.. Just visit the search button and search away..

 

[heckynah]

i put the screwdriver on the solenoid with the key in turn on position and all it did was click.....what do you think the problem is!

 

[Blee1099]

The starter solenoid is probably bad. With the key in the On Position, if you hit both terminals on the solenoid with a screwdriver or pair of pliers it should crank the starter over.

 

[DeRocha]

Just to recap:

When you turn the key to start a small voltage is sent to the trigger wire on the starter solenoid (mounted on the passenger fender). The solenoid will click and connect its 2 large posts together (battery & Starter). Power will then be sent to the starter via the large wire and to the starter solenoid (mounted on the starter) smaller wire.. The solenoid will trigger the starter to fire up (only if it receves enought power from the trigger wire)... Anyway read post #24 of thisStarter problems thread. You can also search for "Starter problems" and get lots of hits and great info..