Spec

Hey everyone,

A friend of mine owns a 91 Ford Explorer Sport and her car left her stranded at work. I've been trying to help her by diagnosing the problem and would like some input.

I believe the problem lies in either the Starter or starter solenoid. Her battery is fully charged and she has full power. The cables look to be fine and I would doubt corrosion in the cables. When she turns the key, the solenoid clicks once, and that's it. There is power from the battery both stationary and under load. I tested the solenoid and there is power stationary at 27 watts but it drops down to 6-7 when under load, leading me to believe it's her solenoid located along the front passenger fender.

I will be telling her to buy one and will replace it for her if I do not hear otherwise, but she is in a tight fiscal situation currently so all helps. I was not able to test the starter itself because I did not see it in the dark, and could not follow the lead which looked to go under the car because it is parked where a pool has formed because of the rain.

Any help?

Thanks for your input!

-Santi

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Spec

Replaced the solenoid, didnt do the trick. I've got a positive cable I'm going to replace now, and if that doesnt work, I suppose I'm stuck replacing the starter itself.

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mlcjr

Hey Santi,
So what did you find? Just remember that there might be enough amps to power the lights or the radio, but not enough to start.

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Kolat

try running a wire straight from the starter to the battery and see what happens. A lot of places have free starter testing if you bring it in and they're normally only 2 bolts to take out.

T

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Kolat

oh yea also, on the late 80's thru mid 90's fords they have a really finicky fuel pump and if she runs it under 1/4 tank of gas very often the fuel pump will overheat and die.

T

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Spec

I'll keep that in mind.

I'm replacing the starter now, I've been delayed due to weather. I got one bolt off but the other is being a bitch to get to. We tapped on the old starter a few times and almost got it to start (I'm now 99%^ sure thats what it is). Buddy and I will be attempting to get it off tonight.

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UrfavNME

How did this turn out?

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Spec

We replaced the starter underneath the car and have had no problem sense. I also cleaned the contact patches to the battery and may replace the wires this summer.

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