If your 2000 Ford Explorer won't start, it could mean a number of things are wrong with the vehicle, ranging from minor issues that any do-it-yourself mechanic can fix to major problems requiring professional service. If your Explorer has been sitting for a long time and won't start, you might just need to recharge the battery. However, if you have driven the Explorer recently, the problem could be your starter, battery cables or battery.
Hook up a battery charger to your 2000 Explorer if it has been sitting idle for a long time. Use the meter on the battery charger to gauge the charge on the battery and allow the battery to charge fully. If your Explorer still won't start with a freshly charged battery, then you may have a dead battery that will not hold a charge and needs to be replaced. Alternatively, you might need to siphon the gas from the fuel tank and replace it with fresh gas or change the oil and filter to get your vehicle started.
Check the battery cables for corrosion. If you see corrosion, pour carbonated soda over the terminals and wipe them clean with a rag. Additionally, make sure the battery cables are securely connected to the battery posts and tighten if necessary. Loose connections or wires can sometimes cause a vehicle not to start and can be easily corrected by securing the connections.
Connect a set of jumper cables to your 2000 Explorer if you can find someone with a working vehicle to help. Park the working vehicle next to your Explorer so the battery cables can reach between the two vehicles. Connect the positive cable to the working battery's positive terminal and connect the other end of the positive cable to the Explorer's positive battery terminal. Do the same with the negative cables; however, connect the negative cable leading to the Explorer to an unpainted part of the Explorer's frame. Try starting your vehicle.
Listen to the sound that your Explorer makes when you turn the ignition key. If you hear a whirring noise followed by a slight click, your starter may need to be replaced. However, if you are in the middle of nowhere, use a hammer or a blunt object to tap the end of the starter a few times to coax it into re-engaging with the flywheel.
