Introduction
Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, you get in your Ford Explorer, turn the key, and … drum roll please … nothing! Your Explorer won't start! This an extremely irritating circumstance, but don't fret, we've got the answers. There are lots and lots of explanations why your Ford Explorer fails to start, and with this guide, to spare you time we'll deal with the most common factors along with provide you with useful solutions to get your car back on the road in no time!
Understanding the Problem
Before we get stuck into the causes and solutions it's essential to initially have an understanding of the issue. When you realize to yourself “My Ford Explorer won't start”, this could be because of different issues being wrong with your car. Possibly the engine is not firing up at all, potentially it is turning over partially but then not starting, or possibly you can hear a clicking sound when you try to start the engine, but ultimately nothing happens. Each of these situations can indicate various issues with your car.
Common Reasons Why Your Ford Explorer Won't Start
There are many contributing reasons why an Explorer won't start. These concerns usually include a dead or weak vehicle battery, a bad alternator, starter motor problems, fuel system failures, in addition to electrical or circuitry failures. Each one of these problems can manifest as different symptoms and require different solutions to detect and fix, so we can get your car back on the road as soon as possible.
Symptoms of Ford Explorer That Won't Start
Having the ability to recognize and diagnose these symptoms, will help you in finding the underlying cause of the issue. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise but your Ford still can't start, it is often an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.
Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Ford Explorer Won't Start
The initial step to finding a solution to the issue is having a grasp of the root cause of that problem, so let's explore the most typical factors why your Explorer fails to start.
Ford Explorer Battery Issues
In the majority of cases, the most common reason why your Ford Explorer will not start is, in many cases due to a bad battery, it's either weak or dead, and you have to either charge up the battery or change it. The vehicle's battery stores the power needed to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Ford Explorer. Symptoms of a bad battery issue in a Explorer, can be things like the vehicle being slow to crank the engine, poorly lit headlights, or a lit-up battery caution light on your car's dashboard.
Ford Explorer Alternator Problems
The alternator is for charging the battery from the engine while the vehicle is running. A damaged alternator can easily prevent your Ford Explorer from starting as it will not be able to charge the battery, from the engine, so it will be depleted all the way down until it's completely drained and you only realize it when you get into your beloved Explorer and it refuses to start. Signs that your Explorers alternator is faulty can be a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding noise from the engine while it's running.
Ford Explorer Starter Motor Failures
When you start your Ford Explorer, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some way then the engine is not going to crank, and your Explorer can't start. You can tell if your starter motor has an issue or not usually by listening for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding noise during the startup, or your vehicle starts up but only intermittently, then the starter motor may very well be the problem.
Ford Explorer Fuel System Complications
Now we're not talking about when you just run out of gas here, but your car’s fuel system itself having issues. Your Ford Explorer uses a combustion engine, and, therefore, to start and run, it requires a combination of both fuel and air. If your Explorer problems are due to a faulty fuel system, this can sometimes be a clogged fuel filter or a faulty fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the car up and running.
Ford Explorer Electrical System or Wiring Problems
Today’s modern Ford Explorers rely heavily on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break. Even in an older Ford Explorer, you can still have regular problems such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a broken ignition switch, or a faulty sensor, and more. These can be a few of the various electrical reasons why your Ford Explorer can't get started. Signs of a circuitry or electrical problem can vary widely however can often include the engine not cranking, or your Explorer can start but only intermittently or various alert lights show on the dashboard. To correctly diagnose and fix these kinds of issues, you will need the skills of a knowledgeable car mechanic locally or online.
Solutions & Repair Tips
Once you have diagnosed what the cause of your car failing to start is. The next logical step is naturally to attempt to fix it. Here are some pointers for the typical issues we've covered so far.
How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Ford Explorer
If it’s a battery issue you suspect is the cause of your troubles, then the first thing you must do is check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and tightly connected. If you find that the terminals are corroded you can try to clean them up with a mix of baking soda and water. If the battery is just old or weak, you will have to replace it, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the car, it will probably deplete quickly once again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter as a battery tester to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs replacing. You can ask a reliable car mechanic online or in your area to advise you on this.
How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Ford Explorer
If the alternator is what you think is the cause, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the vehicle started temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the vehicle run, and while the engine is running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you notice your Ford Explorer dies pretty quickly, then it's probably because of an issue with the alternator. You should be aware however that this method can be dangerous, and might harm the sensitive electronic parts in your Ford Explorer, so it's always best to consult with an experienced car mechanic locally or online, prior to ever trying this.
How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Ford Explorer
If you think the starter motor is the cause of your Ford Explorer not being able to fire up, listen for a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition. In this case, the solution is to have the starter motor replaced by a professional mechanic.
How to Resolve Fuel System Issues in a Ford Explorer
If you think the issue to be due to a fuel system problem, listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the car. You should hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It may be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are unable to hear this sound. If you observe your Ford is tough to start, it stalls, or it has bad acceleration, it might be a result of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely need a reliable car mechanic in order to effectively repair.
How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Problems in a Ford Explorer
If you think it's a wiring or electrical system problem, initially check the fuses related to the ignition system, and change any that have actually blown. If your Ford starts after this, then it was a successful, cheap and simple fix! Nevertheless, if the car does not start, even intermittently it might be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If various warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be a faulty sensor. These issues can be very complex and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to identify and have it properly repaired.
Preventive Steps
As my father always said “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are the best ways to make sure you hopefully avoid any Ford Explorer starting difficulties ever again!
Regular Upkeep of Your Ford Explorer:
Regular maintenance of your Ford Explorer is crucial to preventing future troubles. This includes things like routine oil changes, inspecting your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as advised/needed, and having your car examined by a professional car mechanic routinely. If you are not sure about routine upkeep tasks required for your specific automobile, you can speak with a mechanic locally or online.
Drive Your Ford Explorer Regularly:
If you happen to leave your Ford Explorer stagnant for extended periods of time without driving it, the battery will deplete down as it's not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being used. Try your best to drive your Explorer regularly to keep the battery charged. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Ford in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery totally drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.
Take Notice Of Warning Signs:
If you observe anything weird like uncommon noises, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on the dash, don’t just ignore them. These can be early warnings of an issue and it’s best to be dealt with ASAP so that they don’t become much bigger issues down the line. Chat with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning lights and get advice on if they need to be resolved.
When to Ask a Ford Mechanic Online
If you want to save time, want an expert Ford mechanic on hand to guide and to advise you, or you've actually tried to resolve it yourself, but despite your best efforts your Explorer fails to start, then talking with a Ford mechanic online can be an excellent option. It certainly beats googling things like “Ford not starting” all day and still getting no where.
Benefits of an Online Ford Mechanic
Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, provide a number of advantages. You can get expert Ford mechanic suggestions 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially helpful if your vehicle won't start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get answers rapidly, which is excellent if you're in a rush, require a 2nd opinion, or you simply like having a specialist Ford mechanic on hand.
How Services Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Assist You
MechanicAnswer.com connects you with licensed specialist mechanics who can supply instantaneous aid, guidance and recommendations with all issues and all Ford models. So it doesn't matter if your Ford Expedition won't start or it's your Explorer 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 have the ability to explain the problems you are having with your car, ask Ford mechanics unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them through online chat or by call, whichever you choose. The Ford mechanic will help you detect the issue, guide you on the best course of action for your specific circumstance and even assist you through easy maintenance and repairs step by step.
So feel free to try out our Ford online chat service and see for yourself!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, when your Ford Explorer wont start, it can be a complete bummer and a massive inconvenience. However, understanding what might be causing the issues, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what steps are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a substantial help. Keep in mind that routine upkeep is crucial for preventing the vast majority of vehicle issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What should I do if my Ford Explorer will not start?
Firstly, do not panic. Try to identify any signs that might suggest a problem, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is most likely one of the most common causes discussed in this guide. If you can't find the issue yourself, you will require the assistance of a Ford mechanic locally or online.
How to tell if my Ford Explorer won't start because of the battery?
Indications of a battery problem in a Explorer 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 securely connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to just replace it.
How can I prevent my Ford Explorer not starting issues?
In order to make sure this annoyance never takes place once again, regular maintenance is essential. This consists of things like oil changes, inspecting the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Ford Explorer inspected by a mechanic routinely. It's also an excellent idea to drive the car frequently so the battery stays charged.
Can I ask a mechanic online if my Ford Explorer will not start?
Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply instant specialist Ford mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you having to leave your house. This is specifically helpful if your car fails to start and is stuck in the driveway.
How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Ford Explorer is unable to start?
We connect you with accredited expert Ford mechanics who can offer recommendations on your specific scenario. You can tell them about your car issues, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can appropriately describe and show the problem. The mechanic will be able to help, troubleshoot, diagnose the problem, suggest the very best course of action and guide you along the way.
