Please help, my Explorer won't start

[rc-gua]

I have a 2005 XLT 4WD Explorer. A couple of hours ago, I pulled it out of the garage and everything was working just fine. 5 mins. later, when I turned the key on the ignition, it went from normal to no dashboard lights (only the airbag light coming on and off erratically -not flashing-) and a rattle noise from the engine compartment, apparently coming from the air intake to the engine.

After I pull out the key from the ignition, all the gauges go downwards, shaking a little bit and then back to normal. Radio is working, horn wont go and make the gauges do the same shaking.

I am thinking of a relay but I don't know. Please help, I don't have a qualified mechanic at hand, and the nearest dealer is 200 miles away.

Thanks!

 

[MountaineerGreen]

Back to the top-

Moved from Tech Corner.

 

[helmsa]

The only time my guages have done anything like that was when my battery died. My wife had switched from the auto lights (what I normally use) to regular headlights then didn't turn them off when she got out of the car (figured they would turn off like the autos).

Sorry, I'm not much help.

 

[rc-gua]

The only time my guages have done anything like that was when my battery died. My wife had switched from the auto lights (what I normally use) to regular headlights then didn't turn them off when she got out of the car (figured they would turn off like the autos).

Sorry, I'm not much help.

Against all odds (at least mine) it turned out that apparently the battery is not any good.

Following my mechanics phone advice, I jump started it, drove it about 4-5 hours without turning the engine off, then parked it and turned off, one hour later it didn't start again.

What seems strange to me is that there where no previous signs that the battery was going to die, and the X started fine in the morning, 5 mins before it died.

I am going to look for a battery tomorrow morning.

Thanks.

 

[helmsa]

If you can, get the entire system checked out. There is still the possibility that is is something in the charging system other then the battery. Best of luck and glad that I could help a little bit.

 

[bisjoe]

Look at the labels on the battery, usually the warranty sticker is on it with the purchase date punched. If it's close to or beyond the expiration then it's probably just due for replacement. Somehow they manage to make batteries so they die within a few weeks of the warranty ending.