no start

[Blee1099]

Got a problem.. Tonight, my X didn't start with the key. Turned the key and got no sound from the starter. Just recently changed the starter solenoid on the firewall. Could this be defective? It started fine for a week or so and then tonight after going out to dinner it wouldn't start with the key, had to jumper the starter solenoid to get it to start.

 

[Alec]

To see if the starter solenoid is defective, next time apply 12V to the signal wire terminal instead of jumpering the 2 large terminals. If that works, either your alarm, ignition switch, park sensor, or your tranny isn't fully in park.

 

[Blee1099]

Originally posted by Alec
To see if the starter solenoid is defective, next time apply 12V to the signal wire terminal instead of jumpering the 2 large terminals. If that works, either your alarm, ignition switch, park sensor, or your tranny isn't fully in park.

What do you mean? What wire should I send 12 volts to on the starter solenoid?

 

[Crankcase]

Just run a jumper wire from the battery to the little connection on the solenoid, with the igntion turned to the on position.....thats all turning the key all the way does....

 

[Blee1099]

Okay, I'll do it in the morning before I leave for vacation. It amazes me that it happens right before I leave for vacation in 5 hours.

 

[Crankcase]

If that doesnt work, try tapping your starter....it might be on the way out....

 

[Blee1099]

Haven't tried it yet but I did notice the morning I left, it still wouldn't start. I even changed the starter solenoid back to the old one and no luck there. Someone told me to check the ignition itself but I doubt it. I'm leaning more towards the starter. It never gave me any problems but its a 97 with the original. I remember one time that thing got really hot. But that was a few years ago. I don't know if that did anything to it or not. But I know I can still jumper the starter solenoid to get it to run until I get a chance to check it when I get back from vacation. On another side note, I amazed I saw a Ford Explorer here. First generation with a right side steering wheel. Didn't think they made them like that but it is here.

 

[Alec]

It is possible the starter is on it's way out and jumpering the starter solenoid sends more juice to it than through the solenoid. That could also mean your wires are on their way out.

If you haven't yet, you still need to see if the starter solenoid works by manually activating it instead of just jumpering it.

 

[Blee1099]

I feel like an idiot. After coming back from vacation, this afternoon I popped the hood and looked at the starter solenoid. Apparently somehow the little wire came loose. Hooked it back up and bam it starts.

 

[Crankcase]

Well, in that case, you actually got the very rare "Best case scenario" LOL