The vehicle is making a rapid ticking noise when starting the ignition. What is that and what should I do mechanic or is it a easy fix on my own?

Asked by Louis Oct 19, 2012 at 11:44 AM about the 2000 Ford Explorer XLT

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Truck sat for two months the owner decided not start it any longer.

2 Answers

Thank you I thought that might be it. The connections on the battery has corrosion on it and it needs to be replaced. Therefore it is a auto store run. Thanks again!

2,475

Before you replace the battery, just clean the corrosion off the terminals and recharge it. The battery itself may be fine. Unhook the terminals, clean with water and baking soda, dry and reattach. I spray a little clear spraypaint over the newly cleaned terminals, or smear a little grease over them, helps keep corrosion from recurring. Then put the battery on a battery charger for at least 6 hours. Then see if your truck will start. 2 months is a long time for a vehicle to sit without being started. Batteries discharge on their own, clocks and electronic memories take a small amount of current, and especially alarm systems. You ought to start and run your vehicle at least an hour every two weeks to a month, or at least keep a battery maintainer or trickle charger on the battery when not in use.

Your Answer:

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 2,389 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $5,950.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    31,200
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,910
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,380
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
259 Great Deals out of 13,799 listings starting at $1,795
Used Ford Expedition
19 Great Deals out of 657 listings starting at $7,888
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
22 Great Deals out of 644 listings starting at $4,998
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
110 Great Deals out of 3,216 listings starting at $4,200
Used Dodge Durango
42 Great Deals out of 1,914 listings starting at $6,495
Used Toyota Highlander
29 Great Deals out of 611 listings starting at $6,950
Used Toyota 4Runner
20 Great Deals out of 505 listings starting at $13,888
Used GMC Yukon
13 Great Deals out of 621 listings starting at $9,900
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
180 Great Deals out of 5,642 listings starting at $4,500
Used Ford Escape
137 Great Deals out of 5,273 listings starting at $2,700

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.