Weird no starting problem '94 Explorer

[crazeinc]

This has been happening for a month or so and it's pretty random so I've been just ignoring it, but I can't anymore.

When you turn the key, the ignition just clicks. The lights don't die, signifying a loose cable on the battery or starter, the battery is brand new, and the starter solenoid is new. It seems to happen more often when the car is warm and is being driven short distances, turn on/turn off frequently sort of thing. But I just went out to go to school, haven't driven it for close to an hour and it's clicking. Normally, when it clicks, it'll start properly after about 15 minutes of letting it cool off, or hitting things. Does anyone know what is going on, this sucks.

 

[MrShorty]

Still check the cables/connections.
Also sounds like what mine did when the starter started dying. I could get it to start by tapping on the starter motor. If you tap on the starter motor and it starts, that could indicate a dying starter.

 

[DeRocha]

I replaced my starter back in Sept for the same thing... The starter relay on the fender would just click and nothing else. After a few tries the starter would finally engage and it would start. The problem just got worse and left me stranded @ work.. After getting a tow home I was going to replace the starter, but first I took all the wires off the starter and battery and cleaned them up (they looked a little oxidized). I decided to put all the wires back and test it out. The damn starter fired right up... I stopped and restared the engine a dozen or so times with zero problem. I thought the problem was solved (loose/bad wire connection). The next morning on my way to work the car started up. I drove to get gas and the starter refused to crank @ the gas station.. The mechanic gave the starter a few light taps from a hammer and it started right up.. Basically when a starter gets old it begins to get hung up and will not crank when given power... By tapping on the starter you jar it loose and free it so it can spin again... I then promptly installed a new starter the following weekend and haven't had any issues since.

 

[F14CRAZY]

I have similar symptoms every few weeks (like 3) because of corrosion on the battery posts/cable clamps. I guess with Explorers you need to do them often.

You could just have a stick Explorer and always park on hills if you still have starter problems

 

[fearsome]

The battery cables on these explorers tend to corrode from the inside out. Check the cables for any spots where it is slightly larger or discolored. When my 93 sport started doing this I followed the cable down toward the starter and found a spot where the insulation was turning pink. It was also very random when it wouldn't start.