Just clicks after motor swap

[99ex]

Hey all Ive been a long time lerker here and finally made a post. This forum has helped me in the past so now its time for me to ask once again to help.

I have a 99 explorer xlt 4.0 sohc 4x4.

I bought it used for $400 because the motor didn't run and the p/o used it to store his trash in. Good news is that it cleaned up really good inside and swapped to leather interior out of a mountaineer.

I swapped the motor with another identical sohc 4.0 out of a 99ex at a local jy.

Swapped all of it in and went and turned the key and click... try again click... like the solenoid is bad.. so i got other starter for it out of a jy that they said was good and same thing just a click.... Had the 2 starters tested at advanced auto and they said that they both tested good.

Turned to a battery. Took the battery out of my truck and same thing click.. Re grounded the starter to the neg battery cable just to make sure it wasn't a ground issue and still just that dreaded click.

Any idea where to go from here??

thank you all

 

[2000StreetRod]

Starter No crank procedure

Starter No crank procedure

 

[99ex]

thanks alot for that information. I will go thru that tomorrow if i get a chance.

One thing though.. My theft light does blink when i try to start it but it turns fine and unlocks my doors and the key fob to lock and unlock the doors works fine. any ideas? if that could be causing it..

 

[jevchance]

I know you've probably checked it, but are you sure the motor isn't seized?

 

[99ex]

yup if i but a breaker bar on the crank bolt the motor turns easy. first thing i checked when the starter just clicked. any ideas guys..

 

[jevchance]

Might help to figure out where the click is coming from. You also might want to check a diagram to make sure everything is hooked up properly to the starter and solenoid.

 

[99ex]

yup if i but a breaker bar on the crank bolt the motor turns easy. first thing i checked when the starter just clicked. any ideas guys..

 

[99ex]

when i have a buddy turn the key and me by the starter all it does it click. Doesnt try to move.. at all

 

[1AJeremyD]

I'm going to say that there is a ground wire not attached properly someplace.

 

[99ex]

alright. i regrounded the motor on a new bolt. Still clicked. I may try to run a wire from the ground on the starter to the neg battery post. maybe try that. usually im pretty good and these things but this one is a puzzle.

 

[2000StreetRod]

PATS disables injectors

thanks alot for that information. I will go thru that tomorrow if i get a chance.

One thing though.. My theft light does blink when i try to start it but it turns fine and unlocks my doors and the key fob to lock and unlock the doors works fine. any ideas? if that could be causing it..

On my 2000 if I use an invalid key the starter motor will crank but the PCM disables the fuel injectors.

 

[99ex]

hmm its the only key i got with the vehicle so i hope it is the right key. thanks guys for the advice.

 

[99SportX]

Based on my experience, the starters on these trucks are real sensitive to corrosion on the terminals at the starter. I froze my ass off this winter because my truck wouldn't start after being out in the woods. It was cold and I had to wait for a ride. The next day I went back to fix it. I unhooked the starter terminals, hit them with some emery cloth and reassembled. It fired right up. Even with the corrosion, the starter solenoid would still click, so don't assume your wiring is good just because it clicks.

I had similar issues when I swapped the V8 in my Sport.

 

[99ex]

thank you. I will have to give that a shot and get back to you guys. it puzzles me....

 

[2000StreetRod]

Starter motor relay

The starting system is fairly easy.

The ignition key enables the starter motor relay when:
The key is in the start position
Fuse 24 in the central junction box is good
The digital transmission range sensor detects Park or Neutral

The starter motor relay enables the starter motor solenoid on the starter

If the click you're hearing is coming from the battery junction box then you don't have a PATS or ignition switch problem. Your starter motor relay could be bad. You can replace it with the blower motor relay to find out. If the relay is not bad then the problem is the power path to the starter solenoid.

Check the #5 fuse (50 Amp) in the battery junction box.
Check the yellow/light blue wire that comes from the starter motor relay and goes to the starter motor solenoid. Check the red wire that comes from the + post on the battery and goes to the starter.