1994 Explorer starting trouble
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From: Newhall, Ca.
1994 Explorer starting trouble
Hey guys. I have a friend with a Explorer that will not turn over when the key is turned. But, if the key is on I can short the starter relay and it fires right up. We replaced the starter relay and the same thing happens. Could this be a bad ignition switch ? What else could cause this ? It seems that the starter is fine. What do you guys think ?
Rich.
Rich.
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It must be the season..I'm having the same problem. Replaced the ignition module, and now can hear it and the relay on the fender click, but still wont crank or click the starter. Pulling it today to check the solenoid..but still, check around, other people had it happen because of wiring harness' melted on the manifold, faulty voltage regulators, low batteries, bad wires, etc, etc. Enough that I'm dreading going outside and trying to figure it out :/
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From: SoCal
Heres how it works. When you turn the key to start 12 volts goes thru the neutral safety switch to the starter relay on the wire with the rubber boot.
The starter relay closes & sends 12 volts to the starter solenoid which is part of the starter. The solenoid kicks the starter gear into the flywheel.
Sounds like a bad neutral safety switch. Will it start in neutral??
Got a wiring diagram??
The starter relay closes & sends 12 volts to the starter solenoid which is part of the starter. The solenoid kicks the starter gear into the flywheel.
Sounds like a bad neutral safety switch. Will it start in neutral??
Got a wiring diagram??
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Joined: Oct 2003
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by Gambler98
I dont about him, but I tried it in neutral and same exact thing, nothing.
If it's not there take a look at your wiring diagram & pull the connector off of the neutral safety switch.
Bend a paper clip so it fits in the connector & see if it starts.
If it does replace the neutral safety switch.
I dont have a wiring diagram for yours, but the neutral safety switch might also be the reverse lights switch. So look at your wiring diagram.
Last edited by 87 XLT; Dec 15, 2005 at 01:38 PM.
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From: Pauline, South Carolina
The wiring diagram you're looking for can be found here; http://www.autozone.com/images/cds/g...3d800ba9e4.gif
There also appears to be a jumper where the clutch switch would be (assuming it's an automatic, I didn't notice where you said, but most were automatics). You should be able to check for voltage at the neutral switch and at the clutch switch jumper when the key is turned to the start position. If there is no voltage there (12 volts), it's probably your ignition switch. You can also check your neutral switch by jumping across it. When you spoke of jumping the solenoid, are you talking about jumping + to the small terminal to make the solenoid engage, or are you talking about jumping across the two big posts? Jumping the two big posts eliminates the solenoid, so it could still be your problem if that's how you tested (I have gotten bad new parts before, but not often).
There also appears to be a jumper where the clutch switch would be (assuming it's an automatic, I didn't notice where you said, but most were automatics). You should be able to check for voltage at the neutral switch and at the clutch switch jumper when the key is turned to the start position. If there is no voltage there (12 volts), it's probably your ignition switch. You can also check your neutral switch by jumping across it. When you spoke of jumping the solenoid, are you talking about jumping + to the small terminal to make the solenoid engage, or are you talking about jumping across the two big posts? Jumping the two big posts eliminates the solenoid, so it could still be your problem if that's how you tested (I have gotten bad new parts before, but not often).
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I just finished fixing mine..ends up a nut for the ground came loose on the solenoid, didn't notice it when I pulled it. Cleaned er up, put it back in, starts fine. Make sure there's 3 wires going to it!
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From: Newhall, Ca.
Thanks for all the replies guys. I will perform some of the tests that were suggested and post back later. As far as the part that was replaced, it is what I would normaly call the starter solenoid located on the passenger side fender well. I shorted out the large positive post to the smaller one to get it to turn over.
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From: SoCal
Originally Posted by zzrich
Thanks for all the replies guys. I will perform some of the tests that were suggested and post back later. As far as the part that was replaced, it is what I would normaly call the starter solenoid located on the passenger side fender well. I shorted out the large positive post to the smaller one to get it to turn over.
Most likely a bad neutral safety switch.
Edit, everything that you need to figure this out is in that excellent wiring diagram that Jerry linked to.
Last edited by 87 XLT; Dec 15, 2005 at 11:49 PM.
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In my experience the most common cause of no-starts/starter issues is bad connections (usually grounds). There may be other issues as the fellas have said but before going nuts on parts and diagnosis make sure every connection is clean and tight. Have the battery checked too. Check both ends (at battery and at starter). Look for corrosion or breaks along the cables going down to the starter.
If it ends up beign a starter/solenoid that job takes about 15 minutes but try the obvious first.
If it ends up beign a starter/solenoid that job takes about 15 minutes but try the obvious first.
