Greetings from Texas

[Kuya]

Good evening all,
I currently own a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT. I came across this forum while trying to find a fix to a starter problem. I've read a lot of threads still not quite finding what I needed...
My wife decided to drive the truck low on gas and managed to park it at our home. We had a cold front come in that night and the next morning tried to start up the truck. Lights and regular sounds came on normally till I tried to turn over the engine, the sound of multiple clicks. Tried a few times to turn it over to no avail. Added 2 gallons of gas, still nothing. Decided maybe to jump the truck, still nothing. Thinking it's the starter or starter relay. I have a video/audio of the sound it makes if it helps narrow the search to the problem.
I don't know if it's relevant but when we lock it from the key fob, the lock sound/honk is more faint than before.
Please let me know if it's a doable fix (no lift) and cost if I take it to the shop.
I look forward to contributing and helping, with limited knowledge, to the forum!

Best,
Kuya

 

[Rick]

Check your battery cables for corrosion. They can even get corroded under the plastic sheath. That could cause low voltage to the starter.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Welcome to this forum! I had to replace my entire battery cables since they were pretty bad. Since you're vehicle is a 1996, it might be time.

 

[Spudhut]

Welcome to the Forums!

If your getting clicks, it sounds like a battery problem, not starter. Check your connections at the battery: clean the posts real good and wire brush or chemically clean the battery terminals.

The odds of the solenoid going out are pretty slim. I have never had one go out on me ever.

Good luck, when you do find a fix, please post it for future reference.

 

[BrooklynBay]

My starter relay on the inner fender wall was replaced a few months ago. I had an intermittent no crank condition. I thought that it was the starter so I replaced it, but the problem was still there. I suspected the ignition switch but I heard a click from the relay when I turned the ignition key so I figured out that it had to be the relay. The coil was good but the contacts were starting to fail. The part is only $10, and the old relay was probably the original, so it was time to replace it.

 

[Kuya]

Thank y'all for the prompt responses. I'll take out the battery tonight and take it to autozone around the corner to see if it was a bad battery, then check the cables. I'll keep y'all updated.

 

[Kuya]

Sorry for the late response. I replaced the battery and everything runs great. Thank y'all again!

 

[BrooklynBay]

Thanks for the update. What kind of battery did you get?

 

[Kuya]

Walmart Brand - EverStart Plus Lead Acid Automotive Battery, Group Size 65. 1-2 year warranty for around $60.