Why is the starter not working?

2003 FORD EXPEDITION
173,000 MILES • 5.4L • V8 • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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WPAXTON
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Have changed starter checked battery and alternator still does not want to turn over. It runs for a couple days then will not start. Lights and everything else comes on with key. Could it be the ignition switch?
Sep 25, 2014 at 2:13 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hello,

This sounds like you have a starter relay that is not working. Here is a guide and the location for the relay:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Is the security light flashing?

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Cheers
Sep 25, 2014 at 6:27 PM
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WPAXTON
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Some days it makes a starting sound then some days no sound just a buzzing sound. Needles on gauges all move over like the battery is dead.
Sep 26, 2014 at 2:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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It almost sounds like there is a total power loss. Have you checked to make sure the battery terminals are clean and tight? Have you checked to make sure the main ground from the battery to the engine block is clean and tight?
Sep 26, 2014 at 8:05 PM
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WPAXTON
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We have checked all battery cables all are okay. Could it be a main fuse somewhere? Also, can service department check diagnosis with it not running? We give up, do not know what else to do. Our family mechanic has checked everything could the ground be bad or can we hook it to something else to check it. Thanks
Sep 28, 2014 at 12:05 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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The only thing I can suggest is to do this.

Get a helper and have that person turn the key to the start position while you check for voltage to the smaller wire on the starter. There should be 12 volts in the start position. If there is, the starter is bad.

Let me know what you find.
Sep 28, 2014 at 7:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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I just reread one of the posts you sent to me. If all the gauges show act as if the battery is dead at times, I really feel there is a bad connection at some point. I have had vehicles that when the key was turned to the start position, everything would shut down. A few minutes later, the car would regain power and then start. Always, it was a bad connection at the battery or a weak ground.
Sep 28, 2014 at 7:19 PM
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WPAXTON
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Thank you for your help we tried the fuses today the car made a buzzing sound under the dash we wiggled fuses and it started there was a relay switch fuse there that was bad we bought new one and it started but engine light came back on so we are taking it to get it checked.
Sep 29, 2014 at 3:02 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Let me know what you find.
Sep 29, 2014 at 7:40 PM
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WPAXTON
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On the expedition the diagnostic test came up with the main fuse box system under dash went out causing the car to loose power and trip relay switches. I have to buy a new main fuse box for three hundred forty dollars.
Oct 1, 2014 at 1:33 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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That would do it, but really is not a common problem.
Oct 1, 2014 at 6:10 PM
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CBOUTTE
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My SUV will not start. It will not turn over. It acts like I do not have a battery in it.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Could be a blown fusible link, the starter, starter relay, transmission position switch and ignition switch. Assuming the battery and connections are good.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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CBOUTTE
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Could it be the starter switch if my radio does not comes on?
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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RASMATAZ
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Start by testing the ignition switch and do the rest.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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LITTLE LADY
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When I turn the key it does not crank, click in fuse when turning the key.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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SATURNTECH9
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Have you had the battery tested yet?
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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MOMMAPUERCO
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My car will not turn over all the time. Sometimes it works sometimes it does not. When it does not turn over it takes about the third time or so for it to work. All the lights and radio work just fine. Just put a new battery in. Had the starter checked. It works fine. I have been told that maybe it is the alarm. If you think it is the alarm? Could I just have it bypassed and fix the problem? Also, the light on the car that blinks when the alarm is on, always seems to be blinking when it is on. I have not ever noticed it blinking when driving before. Thank you. :)
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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If the light continues to flash, it will not start because the security system has it shut down. I hate to say it but you need to take it to a dealer for this problem. They are the only ones that have the proper test equipment to check the system and diagnose the problem.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
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Gas smell means the problem could be ignition related whereby ignition sparks are not available. For intermittent problems, it is never easy to detect especially when no trouble codes are present and by the time you are about to test for problems, the engine would start normally.

If you can crank the engine, it definitely is not the starter. Fuel pump can fail intermittently and tests might be inconclusive.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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VVAUGHN
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Vehicle will turn over but gives a buzzing noise and it won't start. The noise sounds as if its coming from under the dashboard of the passenger side. Can you tell me what is causing this?
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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There are relays under the dash. It sounds like one is bad. Have a helper crank the engine while you check to see which relay is causing the noise. Switch it with one that has the same part number. Let me know what happens. It could be a few different things.
Aug 31, 2018 at 2:52 PM (Merged)
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