The Ford Explorer is a great mid-size SUV that can tackle light off-road terrain while still being able to drive on city streets. The downside is that these Explorers are very old and rarely found with the keys. This makes it very challenging to start one if you don’t have another way to crank it up. Luckily, there are ways around this problem, so you can still get the engine running and go for a test drive!
Explorers are produced with several different lock systems, so there are some tricks you can try depending on what type of Explorer you have. If your car has a manual lock system, you only need an aftermarket remote start kit and an automatic locking mechanism. If your Explorer has an electronic lock system, then things get a bit more complicated but not impossible! Keep reading to learn how to start a Ford Explorer without a key!
Electronic AND Manual Lock Explorers
Electronic and manual lock Explorers share the same hood release for the engine, so that the hood release trick can be used for both. You may also be lucky enough to have an Explorer with a manual lock system. If you’re not sure what type of lock your Explorer has, the next section will explain the different types of Explorers and their lock systems. If you have access to the hood release and can open it, you’re almost done! You need to find the positive (+) hook-up point, and you can jump the battery to start the engine. This is a little tricky on Explorers with an electronic lock system, but it can be done.
STEP 1: Find The Positive (+) Hook-Up Point
With an Explorer with an electronic lock system, you won’t be able to use the hood release trick, so you’ll need to find the positive (+) hook-up point in the engine bay. Depending on the age of the Explorer and its model, you may or may not be able to see the point. If you’re lucky, the positive (+) hook-up point will be easy to see. Sometimes, large red wires leading to the battery will be very easy to spot. If you can’t see anything obvious, you’ll need to use a voltmeter to find the positive (+) hook-up point.
STEP 2: Jump The Battery (With Caution!)
Once you’ve found the positive (+) hook-up point, you can use a jumper cable to jump the battery. First, ensure the Explorer engine is off, then take your jumper cable and attach one end to the positive (+) hook-up point and the other end to the negative (-) hook-up point on the other battery. When you attach the jumper cable, the engine should try to turn over. If it does, you can remove the jumper cable and try to start the engine usually. If the engine turns over but doesn’t start, wait a few minutes and try again.
STEP 3: Try Starting It With A Metal Shaving Or Coin
The next trick involves using a long metal shaving or a coin to bridge the gap between the two terminals on the black box near the battery. Depending on the model of your Explorer, you may be able to see the black box near the battery. You’ll see a few large wires leading from it if you can. You’ll want to find the two terminals on the black box and put a long metal shaving or a quarter between them to bridge the gap and make a circuit. Try to start the engine again with the metal shaving between the terminals.
STEP 4: If Nothing Works, Try Using a Fart Can
This trick is the last resort, but it might work if all else fails. In the engine bay of your Explorer, there should be a large canister filter that you can easily remove and empty. Once you’ve emptied the filter and put it back, you should be able to start the engine. What happens is that the filter gets so clogged with dirt and grime that it becomes an electrical insulator, which prevents the engine from starting. Once you’ve emptied the filter, the engine should be able to power up.
How To Start A Ford Explorer Without A Key? Final Words
It’s unfortunate but common for Explorers to be found without the keys. If you’re able to get the engine started, you now have the advantage of being able to lock the car remotely with a starter kill button. Unfortunately, starter kill buttons are illegal in some states, so you might want to inform the car owner that you’re doing them a favor by disabling the starter kill button.