1996 Explorer Starting problem
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1996 Explorer Starting problem
My wife drove her explorer through a fairly large amount of water. It was approx. 1 1/2 to 2 feet deep. The engine died and she couldnt get it started again. All it does is click once and thats it. I cant hear the starter clicking like when the battery is low. I have a brand new battery (approx. 4 months old). Could this be the starter or starter solenoid? I hit on the starter with a hammer just to see if it would turn over but no luck. Any help on this would be gladly appreciated because this is our only vehicle that we use to haul the kids. Thanks!
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
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From: Baltimore
Hopefully, your problem is starter or wiring related. However, depending on how much water it went through and if water was introduced into the engine you may have hydrolocked the motor. Here's a link with more generic info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrolock . Also, if it is hydrolocked and if you are able to crank the engine you may do more damage (bent pistons) if there is water in the cylinders. You need to get the water out first.
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Does anyone think it would be a good idea to pull the spark plugs and try to turn the engine? I am about 99% sure my stater or solenid is bad. I will find out for sure tonight or tomorrow. Just a thought this may get the water out if there is any in the engine. I also would like to know if anyone has tried this and had any luck at it. Any feedback will be appreciated.
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From: Baltimore
If it were me, I would pull the plugs first before cranking over the engine. Also, check the oil for any signs of water. Have you verified that you have juice down to the solenoid on the starter?
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Yes I have juice to the starter it just doesnt turn. Trying to get the starter off now but I am struggling with the top bolt. I cant get enough leverage from the bottom and I can barely see it from the top. I dont know what I am going to do. 
Elder User
Joined: Sep 2006
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Try turning the motor over by hand.. see if it spins... put a socket and a long breaker bar on the crank bolt and try to turn it clockwise. It should spin at least a little bit. If you have the plugs pulled it should spin faily easily.
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