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My 2004 Ford Explorer won’t start and there’s no clicking

I’m having trouble getting my old 2004 Ford Explorer to fire up. It won’t start no matter what I do. I got a new battery about five months ago so I don’t think it’s a battery problem. Can you guys help me explain why my 2004 Ford Explorer won’t start with no clicking?

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Matt Terzi · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
If your 2004 Ford explorer won’t start and there’s no clicking sound, given your battery was recently replaced, some would assume this problem is the starter or the starter solenoid. But let’s just see if an easier, cheaper solution might help first:
  • Despite having replaced yours not long ago, we still suggest checking the battery just to be safe. The battery might just need a jumpstart
  • Fuses and relays are cheap and easy to replace yourself at home, and one blown fuse or relay can cause this issue
  • If your automatic shifting column is out of whack—there’s some play in the shifter and it doesn’t land directly on the marker of the gear you’re going into—you may find that tightening that up can help the vehicle turn over
  • Antitheft features can prevent the car from starting. Is your key worn down or damaged? Are you seeing a flashing anti theft light on your dash when you put the key in and turn it to the “on” position (without trying to turn the engine over)? In this case you’ll want to research issues with the PATS system
If these things don’t work, you may be looking at a more challenging (and possibly more expensive) issue:
  • Blown starter
  • Bad starter solenoid
  • Faulty ignition switch
  • Wiring issues
  • Alternator failure
  • Bad serpentine belt
Unless you’re handy and experienced with DIY car projects, you may need help from a professional mechanic. They’ll have diagnostic tools and experience to help them find and correct the problem. But we’re hoping the issue boiled down to one of those easier solutions and you’re good to go now!
We hope this helped you start your 2004 Ford Explorer again. And before you go, let’s help you drastically reduce your
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