Ford Repair - 1993 Ford Explorer XLT starter/solenoid problem?
Expert: mark henson - 6/18/2009
Question Hello Mr. Henson, I have a 1993 Ford Explorer XLT 4.0L with automatic transmission. The odomoter reads approx. 104k miles, although the vehicle title states it is void due to the vehicle having been wrecked and a different motor was installed. There is a heavy-duty toggle switch for the starter with 10 gauge wiring. Just recently, the car became very difficult to start and keep running. I cleaned and replaced battery terminals and the battery is less than 1 yr. old. When it starts, it runs fine for about 30-60 seconds then begins sputtering and dies, then is impossible to start for a period of time. I noticed the smell of burning wire coming from the starter/solenoid, and the solenoid was extremely hot when i got underneath the car to check it out. Sometimes after an hour or two it will almost start again, but usually fails. Had the battery recharged and checked plus the alternator checked and both were ok, according to Auto Zone.
Was planning a 600-mile trip this Saturday to pick up my children for the summer, and desperately need advice on what i need to repair or replace. Thanks a million for your time and hope to hear from you soon :)
Answer without seeing this vehicle myself i am not comfortable giving you advice wrecked or not is not a reason someone should have bypassed normal starter wiring and the way they fixed it may be a fire hazard
get this to a shop that can diagnose and repair correctly you don't want to be sitting on the side of the road with your children and watch your truck burning. good luck.
