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Feb 22, 2005 | 05:11 PM

jakes29

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no start

My girlfriend has an '01 explorer sport. about once a week, she will get in and it won't start. No crank. No lights, dash radio etc. Its just plain dead. She has had a new battery replaced twice. It happened to me twice and I tapped the battery connections and around that area with a small hammer and it started up.

Now it takes probably fifteen to twenty minutes before it will start.

Anybody have an idea as to what is going on? I am sure it could be a number of things.

She is taking it to the dealership tomorrow since it is still under warranty. I was just curious as to what everyone thought.

It sounds like a short somewhere to me.

Thanks for the help.

Feb 22, 2005 | 07:38 PM

JerrySimm

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

First guess would be a loose connection in the main wiring from the battery, or corrosive build up.

Feb 22, 2005 | 08:12 PM

smalone

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Bad ingition switch???

Feb 22, 2005 | 08:19 PM

JerrySimm

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

Probably not. Ignition switch doesn't power the headlights, and original post said lights didn't work either.

Feb 22, 2005 | 08:43 PM

smalone

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Obviously a ingition switch doesnt control headlights. It says no lights, not headlights. I was thinking maybe they ment dash lights.

Feb 22, 2005 | 10:42 PM

jakes29

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absolutely everything comes on when the key is turned except that it does not start. I was wrong. Probably just a short?

Feb 23, 2005 | 09:43 AM

Gil Chesterton

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It sounds like an issue around the battery or down at the starter (first guess). I would remove ALL connections associated with the battery and main power and ground lines, clean them thoroughly, inspect all connections and wiring, replace any worn or suspect parts and re-assemble (tighten down the terminal connections snuggly). Try to get under and do the same at the starter but begin at the battery.

It may sound simple but it's suprising how neglected, worn or suspect connections at the battery can affect the starting of the vehicle.

Also...

Has the "new" battery been tested after start failure? Is it getting and taking a charge from the altenator? Would the vehicle start with a boost after a start failure? I think you mentioned batteries (plural). That's an indication there may be other issues.