Help! Won't start!!

[Solefly87]

Ahhhh!! Just when I thought everything was running fine. I wake up this morning and when I first turned the key over, the car didn't crank. The dome lights radio ac and dash all turned on. The second time it started. Drove down the street to the store turned the car off and when I tried to turn it on again. Nothing. The lights and everything work. But it won't crank. Battery is fully charged. Tested it at autozone.
My buddy had an idea to start it. What he did was touch these two post together on the starter solenoid, with a screw driver and it cranked and started with the key in the run position! So we thought it was the starter solenoid. Bought one and changed it. Still nothing. Thought it was a defect. Switched it out and still nothing. The only way I can start it is by touching these two post together.
What are some test that I can perform to Try and pinpoint the problem? ive read about it possibly being ignition switch, starter, neutral safety switch, but I do not know how to test any of these. I have a test light that will show me continuity, and voltage. But like I said I don't know how to check them or where to even put the tips of the test light at. Please help anybody.
2000 expedition 4.6L 240,000 miles

 

[ExplorerTom]

If you have a Haynes repair manual (if you don't, you own a nearly 16 year old vehicle with 1/4 million miles: you SHOULD) there is a test sequence for testing the starter switch with a multimeter. I'd start there before throwing money at it.

 

[Solefly87]

If you have a Haynes repair manual (if you don't, you own a nearly 16 year old vehicle with 1/4 million miles: you SHOULD) there is a test sequence for testing the starter switch with a multimeter. I'd start there before throwing money at it.

Unfortunately I do not own a Haynes repair manual. I've owned the truck for a couple months only. Which is the starter switch? Is it the one in the picture? I'll search up how to test it. If it is that one. I replaced it already and still nothing.

 

[stamp11127]

FYI - I wouldn't wipe my azz with a Haynes manual. They only contain half of the info you need & usually missing the wiring diagram of where your problem lies etc.

The starter relay has two "sides", one is the high current (starter) and the other is control or low current side. The ignition switch, nss are used to control the high current side. Sounds like your problem may be the signal from the control circuit or a missing ground on that side.

Try moving the gear shift lever up and down between park and reverse while trying to start. Also try it in neutral.

To troubleshoot you will need a test light or dmm.

 

[ExplorerTom]

The starter switch is located under the steering column.

Get a Haynes repair manual.

 

[Solefly87]

FYI - I wouldn't wipe my azz with a Haynes manual. They only contain half of the info you need & usually missing the wiring diagram of where your problem lies etc.

The starter relay has two "sides", one is the high current (starter) and the other is control or low current side. The ignition switch, nss are used to control the high current side. Sounds like your problem may be the signal from the control circuit or a missing ground on that side.

Try moving the gear shift lever up and down between park and reverse while trying to start. Also try it in neutral.

To troubleshoot you will need a test light or dmm.

I have a test light. Can you help troubleshoot please?

 

[Solefly87]

The starter switch is located under the steering column.

Get a Haynes repair manual.

Is the starter switch the same as starter relay?

 

[ExplorerTom]

No, the starter switch is what takes the key turn and turns it into an electrical connection that tells the starter relay to close and send the power to the starter motor.

Sorry. Ignition switch. Not starter switch. My bad.

 

[Solefly87]

I also tried turning it on in neutral and played with the lever while trying to start it. But nothing happens

 

[Bedrck47]

If you have a Haynes repair manual (if you don't, you own a nearly 16 year old vehicle with 1/4 million miles: you SHOULD) there is a test sequence for testing the starter switch with a multimeter. I'd start there before throwing money at it.

The only thing a Haynes manual is good for is for starting fires Get yourself a copy of the Ford Workshop Manual on DVD Much less cost than the Haynes manual and has wiring diagrams that are detailed and specific to your year and model

 

[Bedrck47]

Can you read and understand wiring diagrams

 

[Solefly87]

Can you read and understand wiring diagrams

Yes I can. And my buddy that's helpin me out can as well.

 

[ExplorerTom]

I had a similar starting issue recently that ended up being my starter relay. But the diagnostic procedure took me through testing out the ignition switch first. The "worthles" Haynes manual walks you through how to do it.

Get a Haynes.

 

[Solefly87]

I had a similar starting issue recently that ended up being my starter relay. But the diagnostic procedure took me through testing out the ignition switch first. The "worthles" Haynes manual walks you through how to do it.

Get a Haynes.

I might as well get both. Play it safe. One can never have too many repair guides lol.

 

[Bedrck47]

Starting circuit

 

[Bedrck47]

I had a similar starting issue recently that ended up being my starter relay. But the diagnostic procedure took me through testing out the ignition switch first. The "worthles" Haynes manual walks you through how to do it.

Get a Haynes.

If you ever get to use a factory manual that is specific to the model and year you may see that the Haynes is no comparison. I also have a Haynes manual but it has more dust on it than my FACTORY manual which has connector diagrams which show location and pin layout and it cost half as much as the Haynes and it does explain how to troubleshoot circuits with much greater detail than the Haynes

Spend you money on a Factory Workshop Manual on DVD rather than spending twice as much for a Haynes and getting half as much information

 

[Bedrck47]

It is written in the Haynes manual,

"Since it isn't possible to include all wiring diagrams for every year covered by this manual, the following diagrams are those that are typical and most commonly needed."

That above statement in the Haynes manual tells me that it does not include all the diagrams for a specific year and model.

So why spend money on a manual that isn't complete when you can spend money on a complete factory manual at half the cost.

As I said the Haynes manual is good for starting fires. Although it does have some good information in it. It is not a complete manual for the specific year and model for the Expeditions.

 

[Solefly87]

It is written in the Haynes manual,

"Since it isn't possible to include all wiring diagrams for every year covered by this manual, the following diagrams are those that are typical and most commonly needed."

That above statement in the Haynes manual tells me that it does not include all the diagrams for a specific year and model.

So why spend money on a manual that isn't complete when you can spend money on a complete factory manual at half the cost.

As I said the Haynes manual is good for starting fires. Although it does have some good information in it. It is not a complete manual for the specific year and model for the Expeditions.

Where can I get the complete factory Manual for my 2000 XLT 4.6?

I was looking at the diagrams. Thanks so much!!!! But I have a very newbie question. How do I go about testing the wires?
My buddy who's more mechanically inclined is not around at the moment and I would like to learn and try myself.

 

[Bedrck47]

You can get the manual on DVD You would need a Multi-Meter that can read volts and ohms that way you can check the wires for voltage or if the battery is disconnected you can take ohm readings.

Am sending you a PM

 

[Solefly87]

You can get the manual on DVD You would need a Multi-Meter that can read volts and ohms that way you can check the wires for voltage or if the battery is disconnected you can take ohm readings.

Am sending you a PM

I can get my hand on a multi meter!!