My 2000 Explorer Is Possessed! (Hopefully not that dramatic!)

[ElizabethD]

Hi everyone! I have a Ford Explorer XLS that is just under 300,000 miles. I love my Explorer! But yesterday brought a new and strange problem. My daughter ran errands with no problem. She got in and I went out to run to little store. No problem until I come out and suddenly it won't start. Makes no noise at all when I try to crank it.

I had my daughters boyfriend come to jump start, it cranks right away. As I pull out of parking lot the whole truck starts surging (physically pushing back and forth) as if I was flooring it then throwing it into neutral. Random idiot lights flashing. I got it above 55 and it stopped the surging until I had to slow for turns. (This trip from house to store is only 2.2 miles). I get truck in driveway, it's not making any notable noise/movements. I turn truck off then try to restart and again, won't start, makes no noise when ignition turned.

Went out a little while ago to try, just makes a 'click' noise but won't start. Just replaced battery at end of April, beginning of may. No issues like this prior. No clue on cause. Any suggestions?

I saw similar posts but none with the surging motion and inability to start, so I don't want to assume anything!

 

[toypaseo]

As for the "click" when trying to start, check the battery terminals to see if they are tight, and that corrosion is not causing the issue.

Also check that the battery terminal wire is tight in the terminal, and that corrosion on the wire itself is not causing the issue.

 

[Josh P]

Welcome to the forum. I'd have the battery tested. It could have failed or as stated the connections at the battery terminal.

 

[ElizabethD]

Thanks for the suggestions! Would issues with the battery and/or terminals cause the surging part? Or just coincidence that they happened at same time?

 

[Josh P]

Thanks for the suggestions! Would issues with the battery and/or terminals cause the surging part? Or just coincidence that they happened at same time?

It could be possible that the surging would be related because the engine would be running off the alternator and if the motor is running at a low speed or rpm the alternator would barely make enough power to keep everything going.