1997 Ford Explorer 97 Explorer has a hard start

TREYEXPLORER

MEMBER
1997 FORD EXPLORER
4.0L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
230,000 MILES

97 Explorer xlt, hard to start. Acts like it has a dead battery sometime. In the morning when my truck has been sitting for a while, it will start right up with no hesitation. But if I drive it somewhere within 15 miles and shut it off, it acts like it has a dead battery and has a hard time starting. I've been through 2 batteries in the las year because of this. I don't wanna say its my altenator cause my truck still runs when I unplug the battery. The starter doesn't make any odd noises either. I don't know where else to look. This only happens after I drive and shut it off. Then it doesn't want to start

3 Replies

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Check your battery for condition including load test even if it was replaced during the last year. Then see how much your charging system is putting out it may be overcharging. Cold be something else but start there.

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Friday, January 3rd, 2014 AT 10:02 AM

TREYEXPLORER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

My voltage meter says the altenator is putting out 14.3 volts which is normal I think. And my battery guage on the dash reads low battery when it has a hard start. But what do you mean check the battery condition?

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Friday, January 3rd, 2014 AT 10:08 AM

HMAC300

MECHANIC
48,601 POSTS

Take to a tire store or repair shop they can put a load test on it an dsee if it is holding a charge or not. It may also have a large draw on it which should only be checked by a pro. BEcause all batteries today have a draw due to the electronics on them but it's slight.

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Friday, January 3rd, 2014 AT 12:03 PM