Intermittent Starting
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Intermittent Starting
Hi everybody,
I have a '97 Explorer XLT with a 5.0L V8. Recently, I've developed a problem, in which it doesn't always start. Sometimes, when I turn the key, there is a very loud click (as if the solenoid is engaging), but there is no start. The battery is NEW, and confirmed good, and the terminal connections are tight. I have also replaced the solenoid, but the issue remains.
If I turn on the headlights, before trying to start it, the lights DO NOT dim when the key is turned...indicating NO draw, on the electrical system. I can try it several days a week, unsuccessfully. And then, one day, I can turn the key and it will start as if there was never a problem to begin with.
I have lost confidence in my favorite vehicle, as I am afraid to drive it if/when it does start, for fear of being stranded.
Have any of you experienced this problem, or know someone who has?
I'm thinking it may just have a bad armature, or windings in the starter, but if that doesn't correct it, I can't return the starter (as it is an electrical component).
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
I have a '97 Explorer XLT with a 5.0L V8. Recently, I've developed a problem, in which it doesn't always start. Sometimes, when I turn the key, there is a very loud click (as if the solenoid is engaging), but there is no start. The battery is NEW, and confirmed good, and the terminal connections are tight. I have also replaced the solenoid, but the issue remains.
If I turn on the headlights, before trying to start it, the lights DO NOT dim when the key is turned...indicating NO draw, on the electrical system. I can try it several days a week, unsuccessfully. And then, one day, I can turn the key and it will start as if there was never a problem to begin with.
I have lost confidence in my favorite vehicle, as I am afraid to drive it if/when it does start, for fear of being stranded.
Have any of you experienced this problem, or know someone who has?
I'm thinking it may just have a bad armature, or windings in the starter, but if that doesn't correct it, I can't return the starter (as it is an electrical component).
Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Most places will test the starter for you. Also not sure but you may have 2 solenoids. One on the starter and one on the firewall. Have your tried tapping on the starter to see if that helps it start? You can also test the connector at the starter with a friend at the switch but that only works if its not starting at the time. Good luck and let us know what you find.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
The ignitiion switch is wired to interior fuse 4 10 amp mini
Next is the anti theft relay mounted low behind the center section of the dash. Could this be the noise you are hearing?Then comes the ransmission range sensor. Will it start in neutral?
Next up is the starter relay which you have replaced.
The starter relay connects to the positive battery post & to the starter solenoid which of course is part of the starter.
Looks like a flaky connection somewhere.
Next is the anti theft relay mounted low behind the center section of the dash. Could this be the noise you are hearing?Then comes the ransmission range sensor. Will it start in neutral?
Next up is the starter relay which you have replaced.
The starter relay connects to the positive battery post & to the starter solenoid which of course is part of the starter.
Looks like a flaky connection somewhere.
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Thank you 87 XLT.
When I turn the key, there is a very loud and definite click. This noise does not seem peculiar to me, but rather seeming like a very certain engagement of the solenoid. Of course, that loud click may be coming from the inner fender, and transferring through, sounding like it is under the dash. It seems to sound different than a relay to me. I never thought to try to start it in neutral, but I will now that you've brought it to my attention. I will say however, that I was never aware of a starter mounted solenoid on a Ford starter. I always remembered older Ford products having a solenoid on the inner fender, but was unaware that they had changed that setup. Thank you for your advice. I'll post an update, when I try it.
When I turn the key, there is a very loud and definite click. This noise does not seem peculiar to me, but rather seeming like a very certain engagement of the solenoid. Of course, that loud click may be coming from the inner fender, and transferring through, sounding like it is under the dash. It seems to sound different than a relay to me. I never thought to try to start it in neutral, but I will now that you've brought it to my attention. I will say however, that I was never aware of a starter mounted solenoid on a Ford starter. I always remembered older Ford products having a solenoid on the inner fender, but was unaware that they had changed that setup. Thank you for your advice. I'll post an update, when I try it.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,276
Likes: 7
From: NE Tennessee
Yeah Roddy I found it out recently working on my friends f150. I had an '88 f150 that sometimes wouldn't start and I'd have to push the shift lever up and it would start right up. If you can get a friend to listen outside the vehicle near the starter and see if thats the clicking noise.
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Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
Yeah Roddy I found it out recently working on my friends f150. I had an '88 f150 that sometimes wouldn't start and I'd have to push the shift lever up and it would start right up. If you can get a friend to listen outside the vehicle near the starter and see if thats the clicking noise.
If it's quiet at the starter you should be able to hear & feel the starter relay click each time the key is turned to start.
I'll post a diagram tomorrow that will show you how the starter relay controls the voltage going to the starter solenoid. On your 97 the starter solenoid is internal in the starter.
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That loud click is likely the starter solenoid closing the contacts for the starter motor and trying to engage the starter bendix. My suspicion is the starter motor itself is the issue. Either the brushes are shot or stuck and making intermittent contact or there is a worn spot on the motor armature that prevents the brushes from making contact with the commutator.
Checking the condition of the cables and connections is not a bad idea, but if you're getting a single loud clunk, I don't think low voltage is the issue and I'm pretty confident voltage is making it to the starter motor just fine. The symptoms you describe are consistent with a faulty starter motor assembly.
-Rod
Checking the condition of the cables and connections is not a bad idea, but if you're getting a single loud clunk, I don't think low voltage is the issue and I'm pretty confident voltage is making it to the starter motor just fine. The symptoms you describe are consistent with a faulty starter motor assembly.
-Rod
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