1993 no start problem... help

ok. So I am a total car neophite. LOL.... I am so non-mechanical it isn't even funny. But, here's my problem.

2 days ago (Friday) I went out and my truck door was open. Someone had rifled through the truck, didn't take anything, but they left the door open so my battery was dead. Darling Husband hooked the truck up to a battery charger and in 6 or 7 hours it started.

Saturday (yesterday) morning, I loaded up the truck for a 2 hour trip to Portland (I live in Eugene) and left. We ran the truck for 10 minutes or so before I left to help make sure it was charged ok... But, I stopped at the end of our street and turned it off to stop at a friends house. Was gone for maybe 10 or 15 minutes and came back. Truck wouldn't start.

All electrical comes on. Lights, radio, guages, and I hear a click when I try to start it. BUT, nothing turns over.

Is this the starter? OR is the battery really dead, dead, dead? We had it on the charger from 1pm PST yesterday to 9am PST this morning on a trickle charge. Is the battery just so fried it will give power to all this stuff, but not enough for the starter? Or am I totally up a creek with the starter being out?

Emily

ok. So I am a total car neophite. LOL.... I am so non-mechanical it isn't even funny. But, here's my problem .....Snip...

Emily

Hi folks,

That’s my wife up there; she beat me to the punch, kind of embarrassing.

I hope someone can help. I’m a computer geek not a mechanic. Normally I would just take the thing to the shop but my income right now won’t allow that.

before my wife left I had stuck the charger on it and run a 6amp charge for about 2 hours and it started fine. Even the next morning when wife gets in. After if failed on her, we get it back down to the house; I stick the charger on 2amp trickle charge for a good 14 hours. Still nothing.

So this is where I stand. When I turn the key the solenoid clicks nice and loud. The starter just “wrrrs”. Lights and all appear fine, nice and bright. So I’m guessing starter failed ,though I have no idea how, it had given no signs of trouble.

So now the big problem; do I change out the starter and if so, how? I don’t even know where it is on my 93 Ford Explorer. It amazes me that I can find steep by step instructions on making or building just about anything on the internet, but pictures and steps for fixing car are locked up in pay only sites. Information only for those who can afford it I guess.

If someone could help out by at least pointing out where the starter is, I can start there. Any ides on any other things to try would help, my budget will suffer under even a rebuilt starter right now

If all your starter is doing is clicking it most likely your battery. The battery is simple to replace. Just take it out and have it tested at like any auto place and if its dead for real just through a new one in. Sounds to me thats all it is since a door was left open but it won't take a charge. How old is the battery?? If it isn't the battery it could be that the alternator is not charging the battery properly. Keep us posted Good Luck :grinyes:

follow your battery cables and one of them should lead to your starter.

a starter isn't to hard to change there's usually 2 bolts holding it up. You'll have to get under the explorer to change it. If you try to attempt to change it then make sure you car is blocked up or on some car ramps. Never trust a jack to hold your car up.

m f

Hi. I've got a 94 XLT and I'm having the same problem. I just bought this in October and it's been doing it on and off ever since =P

Obviously not when I test-drove it.

The electrical's all good. I've redone battery cables, battery, load-tested the electrical system, checked the starter, you name it.


It's almost like it's not getting fuel. I haven't had a chance to see if I can hear the fuel pump kick in when I turn the ignition on because it's a random issue. I've been told by some Ford enthusiasts that they've had similar problems with the fuel pump, and I know my 1990 F150 had a similar problem with the high-pressure pump.

Any suggestions? I can't find a single similarity between times that would narrow it down. Hot or cold, full or empty, it does this and it's starting to do it more often. The only reason I've time to post this is because I went to leave on a service call from my work and my damn truck wouldn't start =P

HELP!
-Saffy

Well gang, here is the answer to the issue. We replaced the battery with a new one. We replaced the Silinoid with a new one... And still it didn't turn over. So we called in a professional. He looked every thing over, and thought the wire, that runs from the Silinoid to the battery was fried and was getting ready to replace that. As he was getting under the dashboard, he noticed something that was put on after market (which would explain why we didn't know about it as it wasn't in any of the liturature we read, or in the owners manual and we purchased the truck used). It's a car theft key.. You remove the key and the truck won't start. The key had been removed, and then put back in crooked. However got into the truck that night they ran the battery down in the first place must have done it, since neither my husband nor I didn't have a clue it was there and we don't have children.... So. We asked him to remove this device. Truck now starts without a problem. DOH! At least we now have a new battery and silinoid.... Anyone want to purchase an anti-theft electronic key device??? Guaranteed to work.