Starting issues

[02airride]

Hello all,

I've been searching thru old threads, and trying to find something to help me, but not sure, so I'm just going to post my own!!!

I have an 02 explorer. The starter was replaced a few months ago, as I got stranded at a casino (not a good day, either way!!!). Last weekend after work, went to start, and just a single click. After a few tries, wiggling some wires, and a few more tries with single clicks, it started up.

Got it home. A few hours later, tried to start it, and again, single clicking action. Same thing on Sunday, while wiggling wires again. Nothing.

Tried it again Monday, started up. Let it run a few minutes, and shut it off. Started up a couple more time (think 4 total). Then tried again a couple hours later, and nothing. Tried it again today, and nothing ... grrrrr

So, when I turn the key on, I can hear a buzzing sound for a couple seconds coming from the starter I believe, or at least in that area. When I turn the key to start it, just a single click. Radio, lights, etc come on. Theft light is not solid or flashing. I checked all the starter & ignition fuses/relays under the hood, and all appear to be working, as when they were out, something else didn't work, and they did work when put back in.

I know that there are a few other issues, like I believe the multi-switch is bad (or something), as when I turn the lights on, the ABS light will come on, if I turn on the fog lamps the left turn signal slightly illuminates, or, or if you honk the horn, the turn signal will flash with every time you hit it. Yes, a whole other subject for another time.

I'm sure the shop that changed the starter for me will have no problem with towing it back & changing the starter again, but if it is something else, I'm sure they will want to charge me again. So, any other usefully help/hints/tricks would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Dave8338]

I would start with your main ground cable from the battery to the engine block. From there, check ALL of your grounds. Clean them up, apply some dielectric grease, and put things back together. It sounds to me like a ground issue or a bad battery...

 

[02airride]

I ended up changing the power wire connection to the battery. The way that someone did my stereo system install 12 years ago, they had the starter power wire to a distribution block, and from the d-block to the battery only had 2 10ga wires, as to all the wires needed I guess.

It didn't make sense to me why this wouldn't work, as there was power on both ends, and on the starter side of the d-block. But, after cutting the block, and splicing a wire in there instead (going to the battery) it has been starting!!!

Now, onto the multifunction switch next!!! (next couple weeks hopefully)