Help with 97 Ford Expedition

[kjanderson78]

I am here because I do not know much about vehicles. I need to know what would cause my truck not to start if there is spark going to the cylanoid, new starter and fully charged battery? It clicks once when I try and start it and my lights are bright. Can someone help me please.

[Dave In Texas]

I had the same problem with my 97. It was a wiring issue. I had it towed to the dealership and they fixed it pretty quickly by replacing the wiring.

[rhandwor]

Clean both the connections at the battery. Clean the ground engine and the terminal at the starter. Check the battery voltage you need at least 12 volt.
Check the voltage at the starter terminal when trying to start. You need at least 11 volt. If cleaning doesn't work remove the old wire and buy a new one.
Also check voltage both sides of the solenoid.
If you spilled anti freeze on the terminal end use electrical cleaner.

[kjanderson78]

Thanks Dave!Maybe you can help with something else. I was wondering if your interior lights and running board lights stayed on also. It doesn't do it all the time, but alot of the times they stay on for quite some time before they shut off. WOuld this have anything to do with what is happening with the starting of the vehicle?

Originally Posted by Dave In Texas

I had the same problem with my 97. It was a wiring issue. I had it towed to the dealership and they fixed it pretty quickly by replacing the wiring.

[Dave In Texas]

Originally Posted by kjanderson78

Thanks Dave!Maybe you can help with something else. I was wondering if your interior lights and running board lights stayed on also. It doesn't do it all the time, but alot of the times they stay on for quite some time before they shut off. WOuld this have anything to do with what is happening with the starting of the vehicle?

Sorry I didnt get back to you quicker, I don't hit this board a lot. My lights did the same thing and it was one of the door latches. You might check to see if your door ajar light is on. If it is, I would take some WD-40 and go to each door latch, spraying it and working it around until it was good and lubed up. My next guess would be the light switch on the dash that keeps your lights on for a while after you leave the car. Maybe that switch is going bad.

[79Corona]

Check the battery solenoid/relay on the firewall.



This is from a Chilton's page:

Voltage Drop Test

The battery must be in good condition and fully charged prior to performing this test.

1. Disable the ignition system. Verify that the vehicle will not start.
2. Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter B+ circuit.
3. Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.
4. If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter cables or the cable ground, repair as necessary. If the voltage reading is ok proceed to the next step.
5. Connect a voltmeter between the positive terminal of the battery and the starter M circuit.
6. Turn the ignition key to the START position and note the voltage on the meter.
7. If voltage reads 0.5 volts or more, there is high resistance in the starter. Repair or replace the starter as necessary.

Many automotive parts stores have starter bench testers available for use by customers. A starter bench test is the most definitive way to determine the condition of your starter.