Car won't start?

Question

I have a 200 Ford Expedition that is not starting. I don't think it is the battery, as there seems to be enough electrical power for the lights, radio, etc. The engine doesn't even crank when the key is turned. I'm guessing celenoid. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Could be your started solenoid. Fords are infamous for bad ones. Good luck.

Answer 2

Your issues could be these, in short:
1) Battery drainage
2) Starter solenoid
3) Starter pinion gear
4) Ignition coil
5) Spark plug wires or fouled spark plugs
6) Fuel delivery issues
7) Ignition switch failure

If you can hear the starter solenoid clacking and/or the engine cranks very slowly, check your battery voltage. Anything less than 11.9 volts won't crank the engine. Lights and accessories don't require that much voltage to run, and they're not a good indicator of the state of the battery's charge.

(Hotwiring your car may be possible. If it is, run the ignition wire directly to power. If your engine turns over, you've got an ignition switch problem.)

If the battery is fine and the ground is secure, check the spark to your plugs by removing each one individually and holding them close to the top of the spark plug. If there's spark, you've obviously got power for ignition. Check your starter and see if the pinion gear is engaging the flywheel correctly. Fords are famous for their starter solenoid problems, but the pinion gear could be at fault.

If the pinion gear is fine, you could have a fouled spark plug issue. I would remove one and see if it has any black or white deposits. If so, clean or replace them. If the spark plugs are fine, you've got either an ignition switch or fuel delivery issue, which you should see a competent mechanic to diagnose.

Answer 3

Sounds like the selinoid. Could also be the security system. There will be 2 relays under the dash close to the keyless entry box. Unfortunately the control boxes should be placed in random locations if done correctly so it may be hard to find. Sounds like a challenge. Good luck. Try jumping across the selinoid first...this will tell you if the starter is OK. Then have someone turn the key as if starting and check the voltage at the selinoid.

Answer 4

solenoids are a common prob. on Fords, if you know where it is, try to bridge it with a screw driver or something and see if the engine cranks. Starters are another weak point on Fords as well. Most likely the batt. though. either poor (loose or corroded) connections or just plain dead. Most batteries are good for 4-5 years so it may need replacement. try jump starting.

Answer 5

I had this happen before... the radio and the lights worked but the car wouldn't crank..... but it turned out to be the battery.

Ask someone to jump start it.....

Answer 6

But the key wont turn and the steering wheel is locked? I some times have that prob with my Acclaim. What I did yesterday to solve it, is I gave up on tryin to turn the key, and turned teh black thing on the outside of where the key goes, with the key still in it.
And it started. But something might be going wrong. I might have to have it fixed or replace the car. You might have to do the same.

Answer 7

If the engine won't turn and the lights work good, sounds like the starter, try hitting on it slightly with a hammer, while somone tries to start it and see what happens

Answer 8

Check the spark plug first before you do anything else. If there is a spark and the engine still doesn't crank, then I'm not sure.

Answer 9

Make sure battery connections are tight. May be a little loose and/or corroded (use wire brush) Maybe enough juice to run goodies but not start up?

Answer 10

Bridge out the solonoid with a screwdriver or similar object.
If it cranks, the problem could be the ignition switch or loose connections.
If not, the solonoid is open circuit.