Ford Explorer Won’t Start – What Could Be Wrong?

Nothing is more inconvenient than trying to start your car and having the engine refuse to start. If you own a Ford Explorer and are experiencing this issue, we can assist you in determining the cause of your vehicle’s inability to start. We researched the Ford Explorer from a variety of professional sources to provide you with a definitive answer.

There are several possible causes for your Ford Explorer not to start. The most common reasons are as follows:

• Dead Battery
• Faulty Alternator
• Failed Starter
• Ignition Switch Failure
• Bad Battery Connections
• Fuel Pump Issues
• Smart Key Malfunction

We’ll look at each of the possible causes of your Ford Explorer not starting now that we’ve identified them. You may also be wondering if you can start a car with a bad starter or how to start a Ford Explorer with a dead battery. Read on to find out the answers to these and other questions, as well as the results of our research.

A Closer Look at the Causes of Your Ford Explorer Not Starting

In this section, we’ll look at each of the possible causes for your Ford Explorer not starting so you can figure out which one is to blame. Some can be fixed right away, while others will necessitate the purchase of new parts.

Dead Battery

A dead battery is the most common cause of a car refusing to start, according to CarFax. In most cases, a jump start from a healthy battery will solve the problem. To do this, you’ll need a donor car and a good set of jumper cables.

If jump starting does not resolve the problem, it does not rule out the possibility that the battery is faulty. Older batteries and those that have weakened over time may be too damaged to jump start. However, if you’ve replaced the battery and it still won’t turn on, you should move on to the next possible cause.

Faulty Alternator

The alternator is turned on by the belt, which also charges the battery. If your alternator isn’t working properly, it won’t charge the battery, which means your engine won’t start the next time you try to start your Ford Explorer.

In many cases, the battery warning light on your dashboard indicates a faulty alternator. To get your car started, a mechanic will need to replace your alternator entirely.

Failed Starter

If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the key, you most likely have a faulty starter motor. Ford Explorers, like any other vehicle, will rely on starter motors to start the engine. According to Car Bible, the clicking sound indicates a bad starter motor or one that is beginning to deteriorate.

When you start your Ford Explorer, pay close attention. If you can start it but hear a series of clicks before it turns over, you should have the starter motor checked as soon as possible. If you do not do this, your starter motor will eventually die, leaving you stranded.

Ignition Switch Failure

Another common cause of your Ford Explorer not starting is a faulty ignition switch. You can test this by turning your Mustang on and waiting for the dash warning lights to illuminate. If they turn off while the key is still in this position, it’s most likely the ignition switch, and you’ll need to replace it.

Bad Battery Connections

CarFax also reports that the battery connectors may be faulty, preventing the vehicle from starting. Batteries will accumulate a lot of gunk and debris around the terminals over time. Too much buildup will obstruct the battery’s ability to send its charge through the connectors.

This is a simple problem to solve. If there are a lot of buildups, gently remove them with a stiff brush. Make sure to put on gloves! If buildup is the issue, your Ford Explorer should start right away once the terminals and cables have been cleaned.

Fuel Pump Issues

Internal combustion engines require fuel to start. Anything that prevents fuel from reaching the internal chamber of your engine will certainly prevent your Mustang from starting.

A faulty fuel pump is the most common cause of this problem. It’s either stuck open, allowing too much fuel to flow through, or it’s stuck closed, preventing any fuel from entering the engine at all. In any case, you’ll need to hire a mechanic to replace it.

Final Thoughts

While a dead battery is the most common cause of your Ford Explorer not starting, there are numerous other possibilities. Many of these causes can be eliminated by attempting a few simple tasks. However, you may need to pay to have certain parts replaced at some point in order to successfully restart your car.