I'm Pissed

[jaredlangston]

Alright this is what happened. Just got a 99 Explorer limited and the starter went out within a couple of days. I got a brand new one put in and everything was fine for about 2 weeks. Then today again the starter just clicks once. All battery acces. work. The same symptoms as the first time in went out. I tried to tap it didnt work. Im really pissed. The starter has a lifetime warrenty on it. Is there anyway I can get this turd bucket started so I can go get it fixed. My friends dad is a mechanic and he said it could be the silanoid. Where is this at and how can I jump it. Any help please let me know cuz I need to get this going. Thanks

 

[boominXplorer]

I think the soloniod is right behind where the abs pump is on the fender. I remember seeing there i think.

 

[jaredlangston]

Also when I try start it the fuse box under the hood makes a clicking noise and a light hum will come from the starter or solenoid. Is the solenoid located directly on top of the starter in the 99 explorer.

 

[friech]

Have you tried starting the engine with a battery charger connected or tried to jump start it? what your describing almost sounds like a dead battery. There is enough amperage to run the accessories but not enough amperage to engage the starter solenoid.

 

[jaredlangston]

The battery is only 3 weeks old and I've never had a problem with it yet.

 

[Opera House]

The starter solenoid on the fender is ther because the safety switch and key can't handle the current. This fender solenoid only switches power to the solenoid coil on top of the starter. This coil takes about 15 mps because it has two coils. The extra coil is only used for pulling the gear into the flywheel.

The test you should have done first is jumpering the two large terminals on the fender solenoid. If it cranks, the solenoid is bad. The solenoid on my 97 went bad a couple years ago. Could also be the connections on this solenoid.

 

[jaredlangston]

UPDATE: I had a tow truck come. The guy got into my truck put it in neutral and it started right up! Than everytime after that it started right up. Can anyone explain that to me. He said he does that on every tow and it works on some of the cars. I still took it to the shop since I already paid for the tow truck. Anyone have any advice on what I should have them look at.

 

[DeRocha]

You can't start the truck unless the transmission is in park or neutral.. The starter interlock must not be making good contact when in park... As such are you sure the Starter was bad to begin with (did you have it tested)?

 

[Ford_Racing_Guy]

try wiggling the shifter around a little could be a loose connection in the column or its not fully going into the park position

 

[Opera House]

Either your fender solenoid is clicking or it isn't. If it clicks, the transmission interlock is ok.