This is sooooo aggravating. Starter disable???

[Rob&Robby]

On my 98 EXplorer, occassionally when I go to crank it, it does NOTHING. Lights come on, everything works, etc.... but won't turn over or anything. As if it were the PATS starter disable. However, I never armed the PATS, I don't even have the remotes.... Does the PATS somehow arm itself? After a few minutes, it will usually start, though I don't know how or why or what I did, if anything, to disarm the PATS (if that is even the problem).... Any words of wisdom? I even tried unlocking the drivers door with the key, which from what i understand disarms it, but it still won't start until it's ready.

 

[Vargas]

PATS requires a registered key to be in the ignition lock cylinder to start the engine. Without, the engine will crank, but not start. THEFT light should blink rapidly if PATS is preventing engine start.

If the problem is that your starter is not working, check the remote mounted starter solenoid first. If that checks out, next I'd pull the starter and have it tested.

 

[Rob&Robby]

I am using the right key, same keys as always..... no rapidly flashing THEFT light or anything.... all lights and accessories come on, but the starter does not turn AT ALL. Like I said, as if the starter was disabled somehow. After a few minutes, and alot of smoke coming out of my ears from frustration.... it will somehow turn over and start right up

 

[Vargas]

I am using the right key, same keys as always..... no rapidly flashing THEFT light or anything.... all lights and accessories come on, but the starter does not turn AT ALL. Like I said, as if the starter was disabled somehow. After a few minutes, and alot of smoke coming out of my ears from frustration.... it will somehow turn over and start right up

Was trying to clarify for you that PATS does not disable the starter. It does not have an armed/disarmed functionality. Putting the key in the door lock has no interaction with PATS at all.

Test solenoid first.
Test starter next.

Solenoid is a $12 part if you have any reason to suspect it is bad, replace it. With good solenoid, decent battery cables, and a healthy battery, the only mystery is the condition of the starter. A worn starter motor can certainly have intermittent symptoms.

 

[Rob&Robby]

gotcha..... i will check it out when i get a chance

 

[RangerX]

Can you hear the fuel pump come on?

Also, do you have a manual transmission, by any chance?

 

[Rob&Robby]

It's automatic.... I don't recall hearing the fuel pump come on, but can't say I have really paid attention.... Why do you ask???


thanks
Rob :exp:

 

[Vargas]

I think he was suspecting a bad clutch interlock switch in the starter circuit.

 

[RangerX]

^^yep^^, I've had clutch switch problems before, which caused the starter to not get power.

 

[Rob&Robby]

ok, it did it again today when I left work..... It had been fine when I went to work, then I went to lunch, and made a cpl more stops, and back to work... all was well. When I left work, I got in it and no crankie pankie. I waited 20 minutes, trying it many times in between, until finally vrrooooooommmm. Cranked right up. I heard something that must have been the fuel pump, and I heard a relay somewhere under the dash click once each time I would turn the key to START. No rapid flashing theft light...... Everything with the ignition seems to come on fine, EXCEPT the starter does not engage. Then, all of the sudden, it cranks right up like nothing happened.

 

[Rob&Robby]

Was trying to clarify for you that PATS does not disable the starter. It does not have an armed/disarmed functionality. Putting the key in the door lock has no interaction with PATS at all.

Test solenoid first.
Test starter next.

Solenoid is a $12 part if you have any reason to suspect it is bad, replace it. With good solenoid, decent battery cables, and a healthy battery, the only mystery is the condition of the starter. A worn starter motor can certainly have intermittent symptoms.

I can't find the "remote located solenoid" next to the battery... I have a OHV V6.. Is it in a different location, or does it not have one?? I don't see it by the battery, unless it is hidden behind something. The Haynes manual says it is located "in the engine compartment between the battery and the Power Distribution Box". Mine has the ABS stuff in that location. I am thinking it is a bad connection or something. Although, I don't understand what magically happens for it start right up. How do you test for a short with a voltmeter?? It seems to me that if the starter, or solenoid were bad, they would just be bad, and not work at all.

Thanks
Rob

 

[Vargas]

I can't find the "remote located solenoid" next to the battery... I have a OHV V6.. Is it in a different location, or does it not have one?? I don't see it by the battery, unless it is hidden behind something. The Haynes manual says it is located "in the engine compartment between the battery and the Power Distribution Box". Mine has the ABS stuff in that location. I am thinking it is a bad connection or something. Although, I don't understand what magically happens for it start right up. How do you test for a short with a voltmeter?? It seems to me that if the starter, or solenoid were bad, they would just be bad, and not work at all.

Thanks
Rob

It looks like this. It's on the side of the engine compartment between the battery and airbox on my '94. I don't have a 2nd gen OHV to verify location. If battery is on driver's side of your vehicle, starter solenoid relay might still be located on the passenger side. It should be pretty easy to spot, since it has large wires from battery and/or alternator connected to it. It is about 2-2.5" across.

A starter motor with worn brushes or eroded contacts will be troublesome. When it stops in a position where the brushes are making contact, it will start just fine. If it stops at a worn spot, it will do what you are experiencing. This intermittent nature makes it difficult to test, as it may test good out of the vehicle. I think replacing the starter will take of it.

 

[Rob&Robby]

I will keep looking, thanks

 

[RangerX]

Here's something else to check. The starter has a short fat braided wire right by the two small terminals. I've had that wire erode and break before, and it would start when the two halfs happened to be touching, and not start when the two halves were not making contact.

Also, have you checked, cleaned and tightened your battery terminals/cables?

 

[juancho316]

Hey Rob&Robby what was it the solenoid or starter? mine does the same thing turn key nothing but everything comes on and locks go up and down.