My Explorer wont start

[kenny57]

Hi I have a 2002 Ford Explorer and it died on me Saturday at a stoplight. And when I tried to start it I had nothing . No click , it wouldn't even turn over. But I had all my panel lights and head lights. I was told to check the fusible link but I cant find it. I am not a mechanic but I am trying to play one now and I need help desperately.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard!!


I recently had a no start situation similar to yours. All lights & electrics worked but I had nothing when I turned the key. Here's a list of what I did and what ended up being the problem:

2002 XLT - V6

Was leaving my buddy's house this evening, of course he has left for the night and won't be back here until the morning, and when I turned the key I got absolutely nothing. No crank, no clicking, no nothing.

Have had no warning signs that this was about to happen. After attempting to start it I noticed that the odometer/tripometer/compass readout only displays dashes "--------" and no numbers. I put a meter on the battery and it read 12.6 volts. I am by myself and, therefore, cannot get a reading while attempting to start the Ex.

I tried jumping it and still got nothing. I am checking my shop manuals now.

Any help will be greatly appreciated. I really don't want to spend the night in my truck!

Thanks for looking in.

Yes Fuse #39 showed 0 volts with the key in the run position.

More importantly, I am back up and running. Here's a list of what I did and what the problem ended up being. You are going to love this!

• Checked battery voltage: 12.6 Volts
• Attempted jump start: No Luck
• Checked all fuses in Battery Junction Box: All Fuses Good
• Checked all fuses in Central Junction Box: All Fuses Good
• Checked voltages at fuses 37-41 as directed by waskly: 12.6, 12.6, 0, 12.6, 12.6
• Checked ground strap on engine block: Good
• Checked starter ground: Good
• Checked ignition relay: Good
• Checked starter relay: Good
• Checked PCM relay: Good
• Checked voltage at terminal B on starter: Good
• Checked voltage at terminal S on starter: Good

Here's what ended up fixing the problem:

Was going to remove the starter so I could bench test it. Prior to doing this I disconnected the battery cables and noticed that the terminals where pretty corroded/dirty. So I cleaned the terminals & connectors and the Ex fired up like a champ!!

I can't beleive that I overlooked step 1 when dealing with electrical issues: check battery connections & cables. Hey, I never said I was the smartest one here. My buddy, who knows nothing about fixing vehicles, was laughing his a$$ off. He kept repeating "Auto mechanics 101, check the battery connections."

Thanks for your help waskly. I really appreciate it!

Start by checking the battery & alternator.

I have the shop manuals and can forward info upon request.

Hope this helps out. :biggthump

Be sure to check out the 3rd Gen Sub Forums:

Modified 2002 - 2005 Explorers

Stock 2002 - 2005 Explorers

Happy Exploring. :biggthump

 

[kenny57]

Where is the central fuse box?

 

[1Aauto]

Welcome to the site. You could use a test light on an ohm meter and test the link to see if it's bad.