ignition problem

[ligockles]

More often then not my 98 explorer has problems starting. Sometimes when I go to start it it won't do anything but turn all the electronics on. Sometimes it does it for 5 minutes sometimes 20 but I'm entirely clueless on what's wrong. What needs to be changed?

 

[MacNOSparts]

Normal diagnostic questions:
When you turn the key from 'ON' to 'Start do you hear any of the following:
A click from the solenoid?
A Clunk for the Starter?
Nothing at all?

Have you checked to make sure your battery cables are:
A. in good condition, with no rips in the insulation, or defects you can see?
B. Make sure your cable terminals are tightly secured to the battery?
C. Checked for Corrosion at the Battery Terminals to the Cables?

 

[ligockles]

theres no noise and yeah there was a little corrosion but Ive already cleaned it all off and the cables are fine

 

[Turdle]

Try swapping the starter relay with another one in the power distribution box. Pick one that is like it, swap the 2 and see if this helps, or creates a different symptom.



http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=180814

 

[MacNOSparts]

No Noise at all means the solenoid(s) are NOT moving. That means the starter will Not energize.

At times you can tap a bad solenoid and it will allow a start.

With a test light (continuity tester) and a helper you can see if you have power going to the solenoid. If you do, and the activate wire has power with key in start: you have a bad solenoid.

My 1996 Explorer with the V8 has two Solenoids, one on the starter and one under-hood. Even when the one of the starter failed, the one under hood still made a 'click'.

 

[Turdle]

98 has no solenoid, it uses a relay.

There is a contact switch on the starter but he said no click.

 

[MacNOSparts]

Both motorcraft SA-851RM 5.0L V8, or SAV-860-RM 4.0 Vin E or 4.0L Vin X have solenoids atop of the starters.

 

[Turdle]

Both motorcraft SA-851RM 5.0L V8, or SAV-860-RM 4.0 Vin E or 4.0L Vin X have solenoids atop of the starters.

Correct, however 98-up has no fender mounted solenoid.

 

[MacNOSparts]

Correct, however 98-up has no fender mounted solenoid.

I never said a 1998 V8 has a fender mounted solenoid. Yet the 99 V8 I changed the timing cover on magically had one.