Very Odd Starting Issue

[DA73]

2003 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition 195,000 MI

I have a very odd starting issue that I can't figure out, here's the situation:

Sometimes when I go to start the car the starter doesn't even try, all the accessories come on but not even a clicking sound from the starter. However if I let the car sit over night itll start right up. And then it'll do it again later that day or week. This has only ever happened in the winter but it's not always the warmer part of the day when it starts.

I thought maybe it was the PAT system disabling the starter but the dash light indicates everything is fine... also I'm fairly certain the batter is fine, haven't taken a multimeter to it yet because the problem never happens when I'm leaving home..

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Number Twelve]

Time for a, "divide and conquer approach. Check to see if the small wire on the starter is getting hit with 12 volts. If it is, the problem is in the starter/solenoid assembly. If it isn't, the problem is in the other direction, from the small wire back toward the ignition key.

 

[07gtman]

try twitching the key from on to start 4 or 5 times