Jason_Darius
Member
I've a 2008 Expedition XLT EL. Randomly it decided to no start and has been sitting for a couple weeks now. When I turn the key to start, I heard the engine slowly turn with a painful grinding metal-sound. With each very slow grinding turn, the dome lights do dim a bit. Also I noticed the green wrench symbol appear (limp mode).
What I've checked and not checked so far...
Before I checked anything, I wanted to see what would happen if I attempted to "jump" the car if it was not getting enough juice to turn the starter over. When I did this I got the same slow grinding churn sound, but then the starter would turn fast (as normal), but still no start. I did notice that the starter would not shut off right away too when I tried this. I also fully charged the battery later and got the same results. After that debacle...
I checked the voltage drop on the battery when starting, went from 12.5 to 10.5. I have not checked the cold crank amps yet with a load test.
I checked every fuse and relay and found nothing wrong.
I have not checked the solenoid as it's such a pain to get to. Thanks Ford.
I checked to see if the Anti-theft light was flashing or still on after I turn the key and it looks fine.
I have not checked the neutral safety switch.
My assumption is that the flywheel or something mechanical is going on with the starter itself where it can't get a solid connection to turn the motor. Or something messed up in the motor and the starter is being prevented from turning it. Not really sure, but seeing how painful it is to get the starter and take it off I wanted to get a very confident diagnosis before getting underway.
Thanks...
What I've checked and not checked so far...
Before I checked anything, I wanted to see what would happen if I attempted to "jump" the car if it was not getting enough juice to turn the starter over. When I did this I got the same slow grinding churn sound, but then the starter would turn fast (as normal), but still no start. I did notice that the starter would not shut off right away too when I tried this. I also fully charged the battery later and got the same results. After that debacle...
I checked the voltage drop on the battery when starting, went from 12.5 to 10.5. I have not checked the cold crank amps yet with a load test.
I checked every fuse and relay and found nothing wrong.
I have not checked the solenoid as it's such a pain to get to. Thanks Ford.
I checked to see if the Anti-theft light was flashing or still on after I turn the key and it looks fine.
I have not checked the neutral safety switch.
My assumption is that the flywheel or something mechanical is going on with the starter itself where it can't get a solid connection to turn the motor. Or something messed up in the motor and the starter is being prevented from turning it. Not really sure, but seeing how painful it is to get the starter and take it off I wanted to get a very confident diagnosis before getting underway.
Thanks...
