starting issue?

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

ok, some times my truck has a hard time starting. i put the key in, turn it and nothing. its not like this every time. most of the time it starts up fine. but some times it takes like 30-40 tries to start. its not ctanking over, its like the battery is un-hooked. it makes no noise at all. then it will finally start. any ideas what the problem is? thanks.

 

[Rob&Robby]

Does the stereo and dash lights and stuff come on??? Or nothing at all??
I had a similar issue. With mine, the ignition would come all.... stereo, and everything, but the starter wouldn't engage. This would only happen occassionally.

If that is the case with yours, mine turned out to be (at least i think it's fixed) a bad connection on the Transmission Range Sensor (which also acts as the Neutral Safety Switch)

At any rate, My salvation was this thread by 2000StreetRod

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2352806

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

Does the stereo and dash lights and stuff come on??? Or nothing at all??
I had a similar issue. With mine, the ignition would come all.... stereo, and everything, but the starter wouldn't engage. This would only happen occassionally.

If that is the case with yours, mine turned out to be (at least i think it's fixed) a bad connection on the Transmission Range Sensor (which also acts as the Neutral Safety Switch)

At any rate, My salvation was this thread by 2000StreetRod

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2352806

yea i saw that thread before. some times everything comes on, and some times nothing comes on. where exactly is that trans range sensor?

 

[Rob&Robby]

It is an electronic sensor on the left (drivers) side of the transmission. very easy to see. just crawl under there and you will see the plug. I would suggest pulling it apart, spraying it with some electrical cleaner, let it air dry for a few minutes, then put a nice little glob of dielectric grease on the female end of the plug and put it back together. Even if that is not the problem, it can't hurt..... From my understanding, they can be fairly tempermental, so this will help you avoid issues with it from dirt, water, and contamination down the road.....

That being said, I wouldn't think that is your problem.... At least not all of it. If at times you are not getting any electricity to the ignition system at all, I would check both of your battery cables. make sure they are nice and tight, not corroded, and check the connections at your starter/solenoid. Also, your positive battery cable has a leg of it that runs over to the Power Distribution Box (big fuse box) in your engine compartment..... Check those connections too.

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

It is an electronic sensor on the left (drivers) side of the transmission. very easy to see. just crawl under there and you will see the plug. I would suggest pulling it apart, spraying it with some electrical cleaner, let it air dry for a few minutes, then put a nice little glob of dielectric grease on the female end of the plug and put it back together. Even if that is not the problem, it can't hurt..... From my understanding, they can be fairly tempermental, so this will help you avoid issues with it from dirt, water, and contamination down the road.....

That being said, I wouldn't think that is your problem.... At least not all of it. If at times you are not getting any electricity to the ignition system at all, I would check both of your battery cables. make sure they are nice and tight, not corroded, and check the connections at your starter/solenoid. Also, your positive battery cable has a leg of it that runs over to the Power Distribution Box (big fuse box) in your engine compartment..... Check those connections too.

ok, i believe i saw something like that on the trans before. i will try doing what you said with that sensor. as far as the battery and cables, every week about 3 times a week, i look over every thing under the hood. i have an optima red top battery. all my connections are good. i always check the distribution box and the fuse that there. every thing is nice and tight. but when im under the truck doing the trans sensor i will check the connections on the starter/solenoid. thanks for all your help!

 

[Rob&Robby]

check your negative battery cable too wherever it bolts to the chassis.....

 

[2000XPLORERSPORT]

check your negative battery cable too wherever it bolts to the chassis.....

will do,thanks.