1998 Ford Expedition starter

Hello,

Sounds like a Ground problem.

Try this and see what happens.

Using jumper cables attach the ground side to battery negative terminal, then connect the other end to a goo ground on the engine. Try starting, if starts fine the will need to check all ground cables and possibly replace negative battery cable.

Post Results.

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Ok, have you tried jump starting it. It is possible the batteries CCA are low and you will either need to recharge or replace the battery.

You could also just remove the battery and take to your local parts store for testing.

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I have never come across your problem that the ignition was the cause.

With the starter bendix just spinning and not kicking out to engage the flywheel, it is usually caused by low voltage. Which can be caused by bad grounds bad battery, or a short in the windings in the starter.

Ok, you said the battery is new how new? And you siad it has a full charge. If you use a DVOM to check battery it will only show you the battery voltage. And it can show 12.56 volts a fully charged battery and all your eletrical will work just fine except the Starter. What the DVOM doesn't show you is what the CCA (Cold Cranking Amps). The battery is rated for so many CCA and if they are low then it can cause your problem. Ok, so if your battery is rated for lets say 550 CCA and it only has 300 CCA it can have enough CCA's to spin the Starter Bendix but not enough to kick it out to engage the flywheel.

That is why I suggested trying to jump start it or taking battery to parts store to have tested.

Also look for other grounding straps they are Braided Flat Wire about 1/2 or so wide. Usual locations are from the hood hinge to the engine and or from frame to engine. If any are broken replace them.

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