Battery & Alternator Problems
1996 Ford Explorer - Won't Start Just Clicks
By Austin Davis
Mar 30, 2007, 15:36

Reader Question: I have a 1996 Ford Explorer 4.0L Auto Trans with six cylinders. It will not start. Battery power is good.

I hear a click when I turn the key. No attempt to turn over, just a click.

Do you have any ideas?

Morgan



Hi there Morgan,

First thing, turn on the headlights and make sure they are good and bright. With the headlights on, try to start the engine. If the headlights go out, you probably have a bad battery or a bad connection at the battery. If they battery dims when you turn the key, you probably have a bad starter motor.

You can sometime LIGHTLY tap on the starter under the passenger side of the vehicle with a block of wood AS someone holds the ignition key in the start position. This can jump-start a weak starter motor. Make sure the emergency brake is ON and the vehicle is in PARK!

If the headlights stay bright, and does not change as you turn the key, you might have a problem with the ignition switch, neutral safety switch or an alarm or wiring issue. You might want to try to start the engine in neutral just to see if that have any bearing on it.

Blessings,
Austin Davis

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