Ok, I was having a little trouble starting my Explorer on the first few cold mornings here in Long Island, NY. I suspected it to be bad gas, so I promptly put in a bottle of dry gas figuring the problem would be cured. Before I could say "Problem Solved", I go to turn the key at the local supermarket and get "click".

I tap the starter with a breaker bar, turn the key again and it turns over with no problem. I needed the truck that night, so I took it to the local Mieneke guy who did my exhaust. He replaced the starter in no time. The next day, I go to start the truck and while the starter engaged and turned the engine over, the starter seemed to be still engaged for a couple of seconds. I shut the truck down and started it again with the same results. It happened when the truck was started warm too. I took it back to the shop and they replaced the starter with another one. It was fine for a few days, now every now and then, I get the same thing. What gives? Could this starter be defective as well? Its like the starter is still getting the signal to crank even after it starts. I was thinking of replacing the starter relay located on the right fender to see if that would solve the problem.

Has this happened to anyone? Any suggestions?

 

First thing to try is the starter realay on the fender well. Next thing would be the ignition switch. You can check the situation by removing the wire from the relay to the starter and then start it and check for voltage on that terminal after the key has been released.

 

There should be no voltage at that wire correct?

 

Also, make sure that your cables to the solenoid and down to the starter are in tact and in good condtion(no corrosion). Hate to say this, but it doesn't sound like you needed a starter to begin with.

 

That is correct. When the key is released the voltage from the terminal to the starter should be zero. When the key is in the start position, the solenoid (starter relay) should click and there should be +12 volts from that terminal to ground.

 

Seeing as how the original starter wasn't hanging up be ready to change it again if the afore mentioned tests are ok.

 

If I didn't have to wrap the original starter with the breaker bar to free it loose so it could turn, I would have never have changed it, I would have done the relay on the fender instead. I was still thinking in Chevy mode that you replace the starter when that happens. Anyway, I am going to replace the relay over the weekend and see what happens, its worth the $15 to see.