steventadams
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- February 28, 2007
- Messages
- 965
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- New Jersey
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2001 Sport
I stopped after a 30 minute trip to grab the mail. I shut off the Explorer normally and came back 3 minutes later and the car was completely dead. No lights, no windows, no dash. Nothing.
I had my wife drive over and we charged it up some and the lights turned on and the dash lit up and etc but still no start. I tried again, this time waiting about 15 minutes while having her keep her car up around 1500 RPM (v8 sedan). No dice.
After trying to start it up I heard what sounded like a solenoid or relay clicking rapidly for 10 seconds or so even with the key out of the ignition. The car was totally dead again 5 minutes later.
The battery is ~1 year old. The alternator is about the same. Had no issues with dimming lights. The car started right up last time I drove it before dying. It's not weather as I live in TX.
I haven't started diagnosing anything yet. First I'm going to hit the starter with a hammer a little bit. I'm going to check the start relay and fuses. Then I guess check power to the starter and starter solenoid.
I've heard people starting the cars by bridging the leads on the starter with a screwdriver with the key in the ignition. What exactly is the process for that?
I'll start with the easy stuff but was hoping someone might know what the rapid clicking was from.
Thanks!
-Steve
I had my wife drive over and we charged it up some and the lights turned on and the dash lit up and etc but still no start. I tried again, this time waiting about 15 minutes while having her keep her car up around 1500 RPM (v8 sedan). No dice.
After trying to start it up I heard what sounded like a solenoid or relay clicking rapidly for 10 seconds or so even with the key out of the ignition. The car was totally dead again 5 minutes later.
The battery is ~1 year old. The alternator is about the same. Had no issues with dimming lights. The car started right up last time I drove it before dying. It's not weather as I live in TX.
I haven't started diagnosing anything yet. First I'm going to hit the starter with a hammer a little bit. I'm going to check the start relay and fuses. Then I guess check power to the starter and starter solenoid.
I've heard people starting the cars by bridging the leads on the starter with a screwdriver with the key in the ignition. What exactly is the process for that?
I'll start with the easy stuff but was hoping someone might know what the rapid clicking was from.
Thanks!
-Steve