What would cause a 1997 ford explorer doe's not turn over just clicks?

Answer 1

More detail would help a lot. Multiple fast clicks when you turn the key is the selenoid closing and opening quickly. This is often caused by low starting power (low battery or bad cables) or a failing selenoid. Low battery is the most common problem because when the starter tried to draw current to turn the motor, the selenoid loses power. The selenoid opens and the starter stops taking power so the selenoid closes again until the starter draws power (and repeat). A single click every time you turn the key is normal. That is the sound of the selenoid under the hood sending power to the starter. The starter should start turning immediately. If you get a single click and no starter then I would examine the wiring to the starter and the starter itself. In First Gen Explorers (91-94) the selenoid is round (like a very short pop can) and has three electrical connections. Two are battery-cable-sized wires and one is smaller and usually enclosed in a rubber boot at the very bottom. The large cables carry power from the battery to the starter and the small wire is from the ignition switch (key switch). The selenoid is mounted on the side of the engine compartment, close to the battery.