No problems starting but whenever I turn the key to start I get a clunk sound from under the passenger front floorboard. Sounds like something is loose. After it starts no more noise. Could it have something to do with the starter? 2002 Explorer XLT 4.0

 

It's very difficult to diagnose sounds over the internet based on description. So a bit more detail on the noise would be beneficial. For example, is the clunk louder from outside the vehicle than inside? Does it seem to be from the area under the hood, or further back, like under the seats? Can you feel the clunk in the floor of the Explorer? Is the clunk sound before the starter motor engages, or only while the starter is spinning the engine? Does it happen every time you try to start the truck, or only when the engine is cold/hot/ or it's wet outdoors? Do you have someone who could either crawl under the truck for a better listen or turn the key while you crawl under the truck?

-Rod

 

It is right under the passenger front floorboard near the firewall. Not only does it make the noise but you can feel the vehicle shake like something is loose. I just bought it and haven't had a chance to get someone to start it while I look. That's my goal today is to see what's moving. It does it every time I start, not at different times. I'm beginning to think a mount of some kind. Once it starts everything is smooth. I'll post again this afternoon. Thanks

 

Is it a single clunk, or repetitive clunk for the entire time the start is engaged?

 

Just one, but you feel a shake for a moment at the time. It starts easy and at the time of ignition there is a noise from under the passenger floorboard along with the shaking for only a moment then it's gone and and everything is quiet. I've had someone start it while I observed it from underneath and can't find anything abnormal. Nothing is loose and all the mounts and bushings in the area are fine. It just bothers me that it happens thinking it's something going bad. It's in great shape, no error codes, OBD program shows everything running great and all maintenance is up to date. I've had many vehicles since 1970 and have never seen it before.

 

Since it's just a single clunk and only when starting my suspicion would be there's something loose within the starter motor assembly. You could try carefully holding one hand on the starter motor assembly and your other hand on another safe engine spot nearby to attempt to determine whether the clunk is more "solid" on the starter assembly than on the engine block.

-Rod

 

Thanks Rod I'll try that. Scans tell me nothing and Can't see anything wrong, Touch might do it!

 

Found out it's the body mount bushings. Front right is gone and the others are not far behind. Started looking online for replacements but the all seem for sport trac and don't fit. Can't seem to find any for a 2002 Explorer XLT 4door with the 4.0 engine. Anyone replace these before?

 

OE part numbers listed. Prices are individual. Body position #1 is radiator, position #2 "A" pillar/firewall, etc. Unable to find polyurethane replacements.

http://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/f...body+mount,673