1991 Ford Explorer burned starter relay and starter motor
My daughter has a 1991 Ford Explorer which has only 110000 kms. One day out of the blue she experienced a slight problem starting the vehicle. The car labored briefly and then turned over and started with no problem. About two weeks after the incident, after driving home from work her alarm monitor was making wierd noises and when she went to the car it was very apparent that something was burning. We disconnected the battery and later discovered that the starter relay was frozen shut and the starter motor was also "fried". I went out and purchased a new relay and re-manufactured starter and the car was fine for two days. Then the problem recurred, relay and starter fried. What could possibly cause this? Was one of the two products purchased faulty? The shop where they were bought is closed for the holidays and she needs the car but I am afraid to go through the same procedure and have the same thing happen. Any ideas on this, could a low charged battery be the cause. When the new starter and relay were put in the car fired right up without a problem.
Jan 1, 2006 at 10:57 AM
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Check the Wire between the starter and the solenoid they were known for going bad due to corrosion this might be the cause.
Jan 6, 2006 at 3:17 AM
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Suggested Repair
Inspect the wire between the starter and the solenoid for corrosion or failure, and repair or replace it if damaged. These wires were known to go bad from corrosion and may be causing the starter relay and starter motor to burn out.
Conversation Summary
A 1991 Ford Explorer briefly labored while starting, then later developed a burning smell and odd alarm-monitor noises. The starter relay was found stuck closed and the starter motor was burned. Replacing the relay and installing a remanufactured starter worked for two days before both failed again. The owner asked whether faulty parts or a low battery could be responsible. An expert advised checking the wire between the starter and solenoid, noting that corrosion in this wire was a known cause.
