Many times, when you turn the ignition on in your Ford Explorer, you might hear a cracking sound, but your Ford Explorer won’t start. If you face this problem, I will cover below 7 different reasons why this might be occurring and its probable solutions.
Ford explorer cranks but won’t start – Why?
Ford Explorer cranks but won’t start because of a weak battery, damaged connectors, problematic fuel pump, ignition issues, and lack of fuel.
1. Weak battery:
Whenever you move the key in the ignition slot, the Ford Explorer will attempt to start. However, if the battery is weak, it will not be able to provide enough power for the combustion process to take place. That is why; your Ford Explorer won’t start if you have a weak battery.
This is especially the case when you have driven around your Ford Explorer for 30,000 to 40,000 miles.
In case of a weak battery, jumpstarting your battery will solve the problem in the shorter term. However, you will have to properly charge the battery in the long run.
If there is a problem with battery cells, you will have to replace the battery. Otherwise, merely charging the battery will do.
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2. Damaged connectors:
Do you have rats or mice in your parking spot?
Wondering why I am asking so?
Rats or mice can eat up the connectors and wires in your Ford Explorer. When that happens, the engine might not function smoothly. In that case, even though your Ford Explorer is cranking but not all the circuits will function properly. That is why the power supplied to the engine might not be appropriate to turn it on.
If you have recently parked your Ford Explorer somewhere where there are pests or rodents around, this is the most likely cause of the problem.
In case of damaged connectors, the mechanic will inspect every connector. Fortunately, replacing the connectors or wires is pretty affordable. However, you will have to pay the labor charge of the mechanic, and that can easily set you back by up to $200.
Also, fixing this problem is very time-consuming since every connector or wire needs to be checked.
3. Problematic fuel pump:
The problem is that the engine is not getting enough fuel. The fuel pump is the part of your Ford Explorer which controls the supply of fuel to the engine. If the fuel supplied to the engine is less, the combustion process will not occur efficiently. Consequently, the engine will not generate enough power for your Ford Explorer to start or move.
Unfortunately, it is not easy to detect a problematic fuel pump. At the most, you can get the fault code from your onboard computer. Other than that, only the mechanic will be able to detect and fix this problem. While a fuel pump might not be expensive, towing your Ford Explorer to the garage and the mechanic’s labor charges are certainly on the higher side.
4. Engine immobilizer system activated:
If the engine immobilizer system is ‘ON’ accidentally, your vehicle will not start or move on. That is why, if this is the problem, you will be able to view a sign flashing on the dashboard. Fortunately, you can see the warning light for the same on the dashboard of your Ford Explorer.
In case you do not know what the engine immobilizer system looks like, you can refer to the manual of your Ford Explorer.
The best way to fix this problem is to deactivate the engine immobilizer system. To do so, you can refer to the manual. With its easy enough processing, you will be able to do that on your own.
5. Lack of fuel:
Have you checked the fuel gauge?
Another common cause of this problem is lack of fuel or low fuel. It might also happen that your fuel light might be showing you enough fuel, but in reality, the fuel is less. In that case, the problem is with the fuel sensor.
If the fuel is less, the engine won’t generate enough power through the combustion, and therefore your Ford Explorer won’t start.
If the fuel gauge shows less fuel, you need to procure fuel and add it to the tank.
In case the fuel sensor is faulty, you will have to replace it. Unfortunately, if the fuel sensor is faulty, you have to assume that the fuel is less and, therefore, the Ford Explorer is not starting. Only a mechanic will be able to replace the fuel sensor.
6. Ignition issues:
Many times, the ignition system might be at fault. In that case, it will not provide a signal to your car to start.
Unfortunately, ignition system problems are not something you can fix on your own. In case the ignition system is at fault, you have no other alternative but to call a tow truck and take your car to the mechanic. Only they can fix the problem with the ignition system.
7. Spark plug issues:
Have you driven your car at least 30,000 miles?
When was the last servicing done?
Spark plugs are known for failing frequently. This is especially true after you have driven around for at least a few years. If the answer to the first question is yes and the last servicing was at least 6 to 10 months ago, the spark plug might be at fault.
If the spark plug is the problem, you will know the same by extracting the fault code from the on-board computer system. However, if you do not know to do that, you will have to once again take your Ford Explorer to the mechanic.
Fortunately, the spark plug is pretty affordable. Replacing it does not take a lot of time either. However, you will still have to contact the mechanic to install it correctly. Even though the spark plug is cheap, you will have to pay a significant amount of money in labor charges to the mechanic.