No Start Issue

[Schwerdtfeger]

Novice at best.

2006 Explorer no start issue.

No prior issues related to starting. Has had coolant leak for sometime.

Ran yesterday-no issues. Today, key in ignition-no respones. Does not turn over, no clicking, etc.

*Seems to have all power-radio, windows, etc. BUT-there are no dash lights (no check engine, etc).
*Clean battery connections.
*No blown fuses found.
*Only one key.
*Gave starter some love taps.
*Anti theft light was blinking until battery disconnected, cleaned. No longer blinking.
*no mileage showing, etc-dash appears dead.
Wont start .

 

[nleipziger]

Did you try and cycle through the gears to make sure it's in park? Also, give the battery a jump even though other things seem to work.

 

[Schwerdtfeger]

Thank you..

Yes, cycled gears, attempted start in N. Attempted boost off wifes car.

Disconnected battery for 30 in case key issue (only have one key).

Took battery to auto parts store-attempted to re-charge but said it would not hold charge.

I did not buy new battery yet, do not wish to throw money at it until was more sure. Afraid is ignition switch, something electrical or key not being picked up.

Has power, except in instrument cluster, no warning lights, no digital odometer, etc, but seats move, radio on, windows and all lights inside and out work fine. Would a weak battery make just the instrument panel not work/not start but everything else work fine?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! Did you check both fuse blocks? I know that one was already checked.

 

[Schwerdtfeger]

Thank you for the welcome! So much good information here, and the way this Explorer has been, I will be here a lot!

Yes, to a degree. No blown fuses found in interior (did not use any type of tester, nor do I know how honestly) - just know none blown.

Under hood, same.

 

[Schwerdtfeger]

Am mostly confused by the apparent power (radio working, windows, headlights) but nothing on the dash. No check engine light, other indicators, milage not displaying, gauges not moving.

Would pray is only a battery, as for anything electrical I could not DIY. And fear being taken to cleaners as others that had similar issues.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Check the wiring on the ignition switch with a test light. Use caution since the steering column has an air bag.

 

[Schwerdtfeger]

Thank you,

I will try that in morning, but will probably be off to mechanic that knows what they are doing come monday

 

[MotorCityFats13]

it takes a total of about 2 minutes to remove the cluster... when you unplug it everything will work but if you try to start it you just hear relays clicking... I would unhook the cluster and see if it does the same thing... you might have a totally blown cluster... this is not something you want at all.... mine works but no warning lights, message center and back lighting but gauges work and engine starts.... you can get them used sometimes close to the mileage you have for around $110 but ford has to program it and I still have not found out what they charge... and it will not start if you pull it and send it out for any kind of cloning service... 99% of the people will not match mileage not even the dealer