X Doesn't Start & Need Advice/Pic :(

[westcovinajoe]

Hi,

First of all let me say I have been looking on this forum and elsewhere for a day for some tips on this and/or diagrams & pics, to no avail, so forgive me if I am asking a repeat question.

My 92 Explorer didn't want to start Friday, and it basically made a few clicks or electronic sounds on the right side of the engine. Then all interior lights went dead for 10 seconds and came back on. Knowing my ex has old battery cables, I repeated the start getting no noise just a turn off of the lights again, and I went out and moved the + battery cable and the lights flickered on as I played with it.

So I am 91% sure my problem is that cable.

But I can not find any instructions as to how to remove this cable and replace it with a new one. I just keep finding that this is typical of Explorers, and that it is hard to do. Nearly everything is hard to do on these...

So I am at your mercy, if you know what it is I should do please share.

Thanks in advance for your time and consideration. :exp:

Joe

 

[Tbars4]

...this is common as you know and it does sound like your battery cables...the cables condition can also wear on your alt, battery, voltage regulator, and computer systems...
...changing the cables is pretty easy and thats why you probably didn't find a writeup but there is one on here somewhere...

...first thing you always due is disconect the negative cable from the battery, and make sure it isn't allowed to ground out on any metal...then pull the pos cable...i myself like to pull the battery and have it tested just in case while i'm picking up new cables...(one of my recent batteries was a 900cca batt and when tested only showed 325cca)...
...it is important to match your cables to the ones you have exactly...the number of leads on each one and the exact length, as also the ground plate location on the negative cable...i would suggest calling around first and do the usual parts search at your local stores...napa and autozone are usually good but the problem is matching your cables...
...it's pretty basic and just remember, the negative cable is always the first one pulled and last one put back on...
...good luck with your project

 

[RangerX]

First thing I would do is check if the terminals are tight, and free of corrosion.
If that checks out okay, then go ahaead and replace cables.

 

[Tbars4]

...^^^^x2^^^....

 

[westcovinajoe]

Ok, guys thanks for the confidence if nothing else.

Any idea if Napa's cable

Item#: CBL717993

Price: $38.49

or Autozone's

About this product:
Part Number: 01459
Weight: 1.7 lbs.

Note: Positive type
4 gauge; 3 wire lead; 69" length; top post; ring and butt connectors OE exact fit style.

Pricing:
$23.99

is better?

The Napa one looks a little more like my current one, but does it matter?

Forgive me I am not an expert... No kidding right??

Joe.

 

[Tbars4]

...we are not experts either and i am assuming you already verified your connections???

...you need to physically verify them, take your old ones with you...different manuf. make diff parts and the length thing always seems to be different on each...

 

[westcovinajoe]

Also what does the positive battery connect to. It seems to go to more than 1 place and how can I reach them?

 

[dogfriend]

You can find a wiring diagram here:

http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0b/a9/c7/0900823d800ba9c7/repairInfoPages.htm


From the wiring diagram, the positive cable from the battery terminal goes two places: one wire goes to the starter relay which is a round device on the fender - the other wire goes directly to the starter which is under the engine near where the engine and transmission bolt together.

 

[westcovinajoe]

Awesome, thanks!!!

Joe

 

[loneviking]

Having done this replacement, I would highly recommend pulling the battery out so you have room to work. I hope the cable replacement works--it sounds highly suspicious as the source of the problem. The other suspect would be the relay which I've had go out and cause the same problem on other Fords.