Introduction
As a certified Auto mechanic with over twenty years of experience, I’ve seen my fair share of Explorer Sport Tracs that won’t to start. And I can assure you, I understand how frustrating it can be when you’ve got places to go, you hop in, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing!
But no need for concern, you’ve come to the right place. My name’s Robby and in this article, I’m going to explain the most usual explanations why your Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start. I’ll explain all the most common causes and you’ll understand how to identify each potential cause, as well as what to do in each case. I’ll provide practical troubleshooting pointers and repair solutions based on my two decades of hands-on experience, so you can get your Ford Explorer Sport Trac starting and back on the road as swiftly as possible.
Understanding Why a Ford Explorer Sport Trac Won’t Start
Before we get stuck into the causes and repair options it’s important to initially have a grasp of the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start”, this could be because of an array of issues being wrong with your vehicle. Possibly the engine is not starting at all, potentially it is cranking partially however then not starting, or possibly it’s making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, but ultimately nothing happens. Each of these situations can be indicative of various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac Won’t Start
There are numerous factors why an Explorer Sport Trac can’t start up. These problems usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a faulty alternator, starter motor issues, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or circuitry issues. Every one of these problems can manifest as a multitude of symptoms and require separate solutions to troubleshoot and repair, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Explorer Sport Trac That Won’t Start
Having the ability to identify and diagnose these symptoms, will assist you in finding the root cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your Ford still refuses to start, it is often an indication that there is an issue with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac Won’t Start
The very first step to figuring out a practical solution to the problem is figuring out the underlying cause of that problem, so let’s look into the most typical reasons your Explorer Sport Trac fails to start.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Explorer Sport Trac will not start is often because of the battery, it’s either dead or weak, and you have to recharge your car’s battery or replace it. The vehicle’s battery stores the electric required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Explorer Sport Trac. Signs of a weak or dead battery issue in a Explorer Sport Trac, are things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, weak or dim headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on the dash. A portable jump starter allows you to jump start your car if the battery is dead without needing another vehicle. And a battery charger can help recharge a dead battery and diagnose battery issues.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Alternator Problems
The alternator is responsible for charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A defective alternator can certainly prevent your Ford Explorer Sport Trac from starting as it will not have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will drain all the way down till it’s completely drained and you don’t realize it until you can’t get your Ford started. Signs that your Explorer Sport Tracs alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator caution light on the dash, dim headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it’s running.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Explorer Sport Trac, the starter motor deals with turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is failing in some manner then the engine may not crank, and your Explorer Sport Trac won’t start. You can find out if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key or a grinding noise during the start-up, or your car can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Fuel System Complications
We’re not talking about when you simply run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having problems. Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Explorer Sport Trac issues are part of a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a broken fuel pump relay, which could suggest the engine may not be getting the fuel it requires to get the car going. Over time fuel injectors can also get clogged, so using a fuel injector cleaner like Red Line can help clean them and improve starting.
Ford Explorer Sport Trac Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Modern Ford Explorer Sport Tracs rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially go wrong. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have regular issues such as blown fuses, spark plug issues, a damaged ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical examples of how failing electrical components can be the reason your Ford Explorer Sport Trac can’t start up. Signs of a circuitry or electrical issue can vary vastly but can typically include the engine not cranking, or your Explorer Sport Trac can start but only intermittently or some alert lights come on the dashboard. To properly diagnose and repair these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
When you have found out what the cause of your car being unable to start is. The next logical step is obviously to try and fix it. Here are some suggestions for the common problems we’ve covered up until now.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
If you suspect it’s possibl a battery issue is the culprit as to why your Explorer Sport Trac has trouble starting, then the first thing you ought to do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you discover that the terminals are corroded you can try cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water.
Once you have checked the battery terminals, you can check to see if the battery is just out of charge, or worse, it’s old and weak, or dead and needs to be replaced. For this, you can charge the battery in a few different ways:
- With the help of another vehicle and jumper cables to jump-start your Explorer Sport Trac’s battery.
- Use a car battery charger that you can plug into a socket to charge it up.
- Use a portable car battery charger you can take with you on the go, so you are never left stranded when on the move.
If the battery charges up and works fine, great, problem solved! However, if the battery is old or weak, you will have to replace it. Otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will likely run out of life once again in the not so distant future. You can use a multimeter or OB2 scanner as a way to test the life of the battery to find out if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement car battery for your exact Ford model by visiting Amazon here, and selecting “enter a new vehicle” to filter the results for your Ford Explorer Sport Trac, and choose a suitable one, from a seller with great reviews.
If charging your Explorer Sport Trac’s battery does not resolve your issues, and problems like frequent draining and needing frequent charges persist even after replacing the battery, there is likely a more complex underlying issue causing excessive battery drain. In that case, you will need a professional mechanic to inspect and diagnose the root cause. You can also ask the advice of a mechanic online through us, or get an instant free quote on a On site car repairs.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
If the alternator is what you suspect is the offender, you can test it. If you can get the car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but when it’s going, let the car run, and while it’s running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. It’s likely the result of a problem with the alternator if you notice that your Ford Explorer Sport Trac dies immediately when you disconnect the positive terminal. You should be aware however that this method can be risky, and might harm the sensitive electronic parts in your Ford Explorer Sport Trac, so it’s best to seek advice from a professional car mechanic in your area or online, before ever attempting this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
You should listen for a clicking sound when you turn the key in the ignition or press the start button if you think the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Explorer Sport Trac not starting. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.
How to Deal With Fuel System Complications in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the car. You ought to hear a humming noise for a few seconds. If you are unable to hear this sound, then it may be there is cause for concern with the fuel pump. If you observe your Ford is difficult to start, it stalls, or it has weak acceleration, it might be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix. This is because may require a fuel pressure test kit and mechanic’s tool set to fully diagnose and repair fuel system problems.
How to Fix Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Ford Explorer Sport Trac
If you suspect it’s an electrical wiring or electrical system problem, first examine the fuses associated with the ignition system, and change any that have blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was an effective, low-cost and simple repair! If the car doesn’t start, even intermittently, it could be indicative of with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights are visible on your dashboard, it could be a faulty sensor. These issues can be really complex and a reliable car mechanic is likely required to diagnose and have it properly repaired. They will probably need tools like a multimeter and OBD2 scanner to test wiring and pinpoint electrical gremlins.
Preventive Steps
As my dad always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to make sure you can avoid any Ford Explorer Sport Trac starting troubles again!
Routine Upkeep of Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac:
Routine maintenance of your Ford Explorer Sport Trac is crucial to preventing future problems. This includes things like regular oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and of course having your car checked by a reliable car mechanic regularly. If you are unsure about routine maintenance tasks required for your particular automobile, you can seek advice from a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Ford Explorer Sport Trac Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Explorer Sport Trac stagnant for long durations of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery may run out of charge as it’s not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being used. Try to drive your car frequently to keep the battery charged up. If you remember you haven’t driven your vehicle in a while, take it for a spin to make sure there is still a charge in the battery. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the longevity of the battery, try not to do this.
Pay Attention to Warning Signs:
If you notice anything weird like unusual sounds, changes in driving and performance, or alert lights showing on your Ford Explorer Sport Tracs dashboard, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early signs of an issue and are best being addressed ASAP so that they don’t end up being bigger issues later. Speak with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and find out if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, would like a professional Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you have tried to fix it by yourself, however in spite of your best efforts your Ford fails to start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be a great option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford wont start one click” all day and still getting no where.
Advantages of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get expert Ford mechanic advice 24×7 and without leaving your house, which is especially useful if your vehicle won’t start and is stuck in the driveway. You can also save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get the answer quickly, which is terrific if you’re in a rush, require a second opinion, or you simply like having an expert Ford mechanic on hand.
How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with certified expert mechanics who can offer instant assistance, guidance and suggestions with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn’t matter if your Ford Excursion won’t start or it’s your Explorer Sport Trac that you’re having issues with, we’ve got the mechanics online that with a little bit of information over a chat box, can solve anything for you.
You’re able to describe the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can talk with them by means of online chat or by telephone call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic online will help you identify the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even guide you through easy maintenance and repair work step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford mechanic help online service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start, it will likely be a major downer and a huge hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what may be causing the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are needed in each case, and where to get help if needed, will be a substantial help. Keep in mind that regular upkeep is crucial for preventing the vast majority of vehicle problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Explorer Sport Trac will not start?
Firstly, do not panic. Try to identify any symptoms that might show an issue, such as unusual noises, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The reason for the issue is likely among the main causes talked about in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can’t find the cause of the problem yourself.
How to tell if my Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start because of the battery?
Signs of a battery issue in a Explorer Sport Trac include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. It might be best to simply swap it out for a new one if the battery is weak or old.
How can I prevent my Ford Explorer Sport Trac not starting issues?
In order to make certain this inconvenience never ever occurs once again, regular maintenance is key. This includes things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and having your Ford Explorer Sport Trac checked by a mechanic routinely. It’s also an excellent idea to drive the vehicle regularly so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can offer instantaneous expert Ford mechanic assistance and guidance, without you having to leave your home. If your Ford Explorer Sport Trac can’t start and is stuck in the driveway, this is especially helpful.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Explorer Sport Trac won’t start?
We connect you with accredited specialist Ford mechanics who can supply guidance on your particular situation. You can inform them about your car problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can properly show the problem and explain it. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the issue, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
