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!

2,455

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 2,168 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $2,999.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    31,070
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,890
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,340
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Expedition
21 Great Deals out of 827 listings starting at $7,888
Used Ford F-150
315 Great Deals out of 15,266 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
20 Great Deals out of 924 listings starting at $11,900
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
104 Great Deals out of 3,220 listings starting at $3,570
Used Dodge Durango
40 Great Deals out of 2,237 listings starting at $5,500
Used Toyota Highlander
28 Great Deals out of 736 listings starting at $2,495
Used Toyota 4Runner
8 Great Deals out of 297 listings starting at $12,888
Used GMC Yukon
13 Great Deals out of 942 listings starting at $1,225
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
205 Great Deals out of 5,862 listings starting at $2,975
Used Nissan Pathfinder
45 Great Deals out of 1,364 listings starting at $3,499

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.