1997 Ford Explorer Starter won't crank

130,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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BEAR1959
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Have replaced starter, fully charged battery but starter will not engage and turn over engine. Has all the appearances/sounds of a flat battery with solenoid clicking. Positive lead starts to smoke at battery after minimal time when attempting to start.
Initial problem was identical but starter appeared to be the problem so replaced with new unit. All connections to starter and battery have been checked for cleanliness and tightness. Solenoid? or whatever it is that is mounted on fender appears to correctly go live when turning on key.
Cheers
Mark
Nov 15, 2008 at 5:10 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Have you checked your fuses/relays?
Nov 15, 2008 at 5:33 PM
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BMRFIXIT
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 19,053 POSTS
Place truck in park
E brakes on
jump the starter small S terminal to battery power
does it crank , no : starter no good
if it does
check neutral safety switch
check wiring
check solenoid
check ignition switch
check neutral safety switch

need manual CHECK IT @
http://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm
Nov 15, 2008 at 11:18 PM
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BEAR1959
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thanks for the responses guys, just goes to show that even in deepest darkest Australia we can get help from the other side of the globe!
Nov 16, 2008 at 6:31 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 16,542 POSTS
[quote:ebde41c49f="bear1959"]thanks for the responses guys, just goes to show that even in deepest darkest Australia we can get help from the other side of the globe![/quote:ebde41c49f]I have always wanted to visit Australia..

Have you found the problem yet?
Nov 16, 2008 at 6:35 PM
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