Van wont't start without a jump everytime!
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Junior User
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: canada
Van wont't start without a jump everytime!
Recently replaced the thermostat and gasket and the heater core. Van heat and temp of engine is great now. New problem is that the van won't start on its own everymorning. It has been about 40-45 below 0 for the last few days but the van has been plugged in. I have changed the battery. Not new one but slightly used. (not sure just how much it has been used.) It trys to start but makes a click,click noise. Like it is trying to start but can't catch. The electrical was checked yesterday with a meter and it was at 12 something and running at 14 something. When the battery is on and running should the gauge read full power or half. It always sits at 8 out of 12. Is that normal. As usual I am stuck here with many things to do. Can someone help me? Please. Thanks in advance.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 435
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
Hammerhead,
I had an Explorer with the same problem and it turned out to be badly worn copper contacts in the starter solenoid. Not the starter relay, but the starter solenoid attached to the starter. The copper contacts may be worn down not allowing full amperage through to the starter. You'll have to remove the starter and then remove the solenoid from the starter to check these contacts, but it is well worth the time. Replacement contacts can be obtained from a starter/alternator repair shop for just a few bucks.
Just a thought.
Ron
I had an Explorer with the same problem and it turned out to be badly worn copper contacts in the starter solenoid. Not the starter relay, but the starter solenoid attached to the starter. The copper contacts may be worn down not allowing full amperage through to the starter. You'll have to remove the starter and then remove the solenoid from the starter to check these contacts, but it is well worth the time. Replacement contacts can be obtained from a starter/alternator repair shop for just a few bucks.
Just a thought.
Ron
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 4,516
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From: SoCal
A simple way to test for a bad cabble is to simply add a jumper cable. Connect a jumper cable from battery minus to engine block etc,etc.. See if it starts. "14 something volts running" is fine. I'd also have the battery load tested.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 435
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From: Corpus Christi, Tx. 78418
Hammerhead,
On my 92 3.0L XLT the battery gauge reads a low of 8 (red) and a high of 18 (blue), but only reads "NORMAL" between these two extremes. I assume that the red 8 is a -8 volts discharging and the blue 18 is a maximum reading of +18 volts from the alternator. When the engine is running my gauge indicates slightly above the center of its range, just on the "M" in the word normal. I think this indicates about +14 volts from the alternator which is normal.
I assume that by "the van has been plugged in" you mean you have a charger attached to the battery overnight. You shouldn't need to, but I don't know about that kind of "cold" weather being in Texas. Jesus, 40-45 below 0 is way beyond my range of experience.
I still feel, though, that your problem must have something to do with either the starter relay or the starter solenoid. Check to see if you are getting full power from the starter relay to the starter solenoid when trying to start the van. If you are, then check the starter solenoid as I indicated earlier.
LOL
Ron
On my 92 3.0L XLT the battery gauge reads a low of 8 (red) and a high of 18 (blue), but only reads "NORMAL" between these two extremes. I assume that the red 8 is a -8 volts discharging and the blue 18 is a maximum reading of +18 volts from the alternator. When the engine is running my gauge indicates slightly above the center of its range, just on the "M" in the word normal. I think this indicates about +14 volts from the alternator which is normal.
I assume that by "the van has been plugged in" you mean you have a charger attached to the battery overnight. You shouldn't need to, but I don't know about that kind of "cold" weather being in Texas. Jesus, 40-45 below 0 is way beyond my range of experience.
I still feel, though, that your problem must have something to do with either the starter relay or the starter solenoid. Check to see if you are getting full power from the starter relay to the starter solenoid when trying to start the van. If you are, then check the starter solenoid as I indicated earlier.
LOL
Ron
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cherry7
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