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Question

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer with 90,000 miles on it. After driving somewhere, I came back out to find that it would not start. When I turned the ignition on the gauges came on, radio worked, windows, battery light was in the middle, but car would not start. No noise either. Tried to jump it, would not jump. came back 4 hours later to change out battery and the thing started right up. Drove to autozone to take battery back and had them test old battery and it was good. Decided to clean off posts in case that was the problem. when we tried to start it back up, it would not start again. Same problem as before. Called our mechanic and drove over the keys so that he could tow it. He went to tow the thing and it started right up. It took half the day for the mechanic to get it to replicate what it had done before. checked battery, alternator. all good. guessed it was the ignition switch and changed it out. seemed to do the trick. drove for two days and now it just happened again. help!

Submitted: 76 days and 10 hours ago.
Category: Car
Value: $33
Status: CLOSED
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Optional Information

Year: 2004
Make: Ford
Model: Explorer
Engine: V6

Already Tried:
checked battery, alternator, cleaned posts, changed out ignition switch

Accepted Answer

When this problem happens, take a test light and probe the black/purple wire at starter solenoid. If it lights up the circuit is complete to that point. If it does not light up, you will need to check at neutral safety switch. If it lights up, jump from the "S" terminal on solenoid where the black/purple wire goes to large terminal that goes to battery. If it now cranks, your problem is the solenoid and you should replace it. If it still does not crank. replace the starter. Another way to check if your starter is bad is to hit it with a hammer while key is in crank position. It may start your truck to get you to where you can have it replaced.

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Expert: ASE Master Tech 35yrs
Pos. Feedback: 100.0 %
Accepts: 
Answered: 9/7/2009

ASE Master Auto Tech

ASE Certified since 1972,Master Auto tech,Heavy Truck Tech, foriegn and domestic

76 days and 10 hours ago.

Reply

That sounds beyond my expterise, but I will pass it on to the mechanic tomorrow. At this point we are going to have to have it towed for the second time. We just went back adn tried to start it again with no luck. is there any way that I can let you know how things went once we get it to the shop?

Posted by ASE Master Tech 35yrs 76 days and 10 hours ago.

Answer

Just reply back to this question. Again, if you have a hammer and another person handy, One person can hold the key in crank position, while the other hits the starter with a hammer to possibly avoid towing cost. If it starts this way, you know for sure it's a bad starter causing the problem. Of course, it still may not start, but worth a try.

76 days and 9 hours ago.

Reply

I WILL let you know how it goes. We are going to try it in a little while. It is really hot outside right now. Thanks:)

Posted by ASE Master Tech 35yrs 76 days and 9 hours ago.

Answer

OK, I'll be waiting to hear from you. Thank you for using just answer.

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