Twice in the past 2 weeks, I have tried to start my Expedition and get no response from the engine. The dash lights go off as if it's trying to start but I get NO response from the engine...no clicks, pops, etc.

I have tried 3 separate keys, tried reprogramming keys, etc. Nothing helps. If I let the vehicle sit for about 1 hour, it starts as if nothing was wrong.

I took it to the dealership today and paid $89 to have them tell me: It's not the battery, not the anti-theft device, not the started, nothing is wrong.

It really seems like an anti-theft issue but the dealer says no. Any suggestions?

 

I can speak to the anti-theft specifically. I recently purchased a 3rd key for my '99 Expy as my second is in the steering column with the remote starter, and had it cut by the locksmith. After it was cut I tried starting the truck for sh_ts and giggles. The truck turned over, but the sparkplugs were not firing. And of course the THEFT light was blinking furiously. Once I put my primary key back in and attempted to start the truck, it took a few tries for it to start. Some thing you might want to test is turn your headlights on and see if they are markedly dim. Your alternator might be the problem. Might not be charging your battery effectively. Try jumpstarting your truck and see if it fires up right away with that. It is common for alternators to go in these trucks. Mine went on a weekend away from home while climbing Mt. Greylock in Williamstown MA. That was fun. Hope this helps.

 

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Thanks for the suggestion. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately, I'm not sure at this point), it is a new battery and tested fine. The dealership said they checked the entire electrical system including the battery and alternator and they are fine. Also, the last time this occurred, we tried jump-starting the Expedition and it had no effect. Thanks again.

 

My brother had the exact same symptoms on a 2000. It was the starter relay that's mounted to the firewall. It's only like $18 at the parts store and easy to swap out.

--Dan

 

sounds to me as if it could be a few different things if you do not hear a clicking noise when you turn to the start position check to see if you have power going to the start relay little post on the firewall if no power there, it could be a the transmission park or neutral switch or clutch switch if you have a standard transmission, or you are not getting power from the key switch as far as the security system it has nothing to do with the starter unless you have a aftermarket system that has a starter cutout relay installed then it would get you described hope this helps also next time it happens go to the relay on the firewall and jump across the hot big post to the little post with a screwdriver and the starter relay should click and the starter will engage that will tell you if you have a relay or starter problem

 

my 97 expedition all of a sudden wouldn't start- it wouldn't turn over- so i checked the battery and it was good-- then after some more testing figured it was the starter--took it out--original with 120k miles-- went to discount auto parts and purchased one for $138 installed and and its running good again.

 

Thanks to all of you for your help. It happened again today and thanks to suggestions from this board, I replaced the starter relay on the firewall ($30) and the problem is now resolved! Thanks again.

 

Gentlemen:

Hello. I have the 97 eddie bauer model that does not want to start either...
For a while now I've been searching the forum for some answers that would help to elaborate on the Chilton's manual's two sentences...

When I turn the key over, I DO hear a distinctive click from the relay module, for S#its and Giggles I jumped the relay to see if that was indeed the "right" click; it was.

So down beneath that beast of a truck I went to check out the starter assembly...
Corrosion seems to be evident on the selenoid which is connected to the starter motor. I've sprayed and brushed that with some anti-corrosive spray. STILL NOTHING. So Upon disconnecting the three cables to the selenoid/starter, I noticed that the cable running from the selenoid to the starter is severed somehow. My guess is melted... my best guess says that this is the problem.

How in the world do I remove the starter and replace it? I see there are two bolts/nuts to undo, one is a piece of cake, the other one is concealed deep on the other side (I'm working beneath jack stands) of the starter motor's body. Are there any special tools or tricks to ease the removal of the starter? More importantly, are there any tricks or pointers to replacing or reinstalling it?

Thank You Very Very Very Much.