1996 Explorer Won't Start - Is It My Starter?

[Webslinger]

OK, I believe I have a problem with the starter on my 1996 Ford Explorer. When I try to crank the ignition, I only get loud clicking. The engine does not turn over.
Battery, cables, terminals all look good and are tight. When I crawled under the car, I located the starter and here's what I found.
Forgive the terminology if it's wrong. I'll try to explain the best I can...
There's the starter itself and a solenoid on top of the starter. There are two wires - a small one and a larger one that looks like a cable. The larger one seems to bolt/screw onto the solenoid. The smaller one just has some sort of clip at the end of the wire that you push onto a flat metal connector that's on the solenoid. The clip looks and feels plastic. When I reached up to check the fit, the clip was half off. I pushed it in trying to secure it better, but it still seems to fit pretty loosely. It wouldn't take much on a bumpy road to jar it loose again.
Also, I have an oil leak that is leaking directly onto the solenoid/starter. The small wire with the clip was covered in oil. The flat metal connector also had some oil on it. Cleaned it off the best I could, reconnected the clip and tried to start. Still a no go.
So, I'm thinking the clip itself is worn out or it has become contaminated inside the clip and makes for a bad connection.
I'm thinking of pulling the starter off and cleaning it up.
So, with that description provided, any thoughts?
Can I replace the plastic clip or clean out the inside of it with some type of spray cleaner? Is there a way to make the clip fit more securely?

Thanks for your replies in advance.

 

[ThePhoenix]

loud clicking is either dead battery or a solenoid

I would guess battery as I have had two dead ones in three years

try jumping it...if it still doesnt start- solenoid.

if it does, get to nearest parts store and have them check battery vs alternator (usually for free) ...and get those clips on tight. It will make battery go bad faster

 

[Webslinger]

loud clicking is either dead battery or a solenoid

I would guess battery as I have had two dead ones in three years

try jumping it...if it still doesnt start- solenoid.

if it does, get to nearest parts store and have them check battery vs alternator (usually for free) ...and get those clips on tight. It will make battery go bad faster

Hey, thanks for the reply. It's definitely not the battery and I've pretty much targeted the Solenoid as of this morning. I'm heading to Auto Zone later to pick up a new one for $11.99, which is much better than that $39.99 quoted to me by the dealer.
You were right on about the battery going dead though. It wasn't dead when the problem first began, but as the car has sat in the driveway the battery has lost it's charge.
I do have a battery charger I will put the battery on and replace the solenoid today. I'll post the results later.

 

[ThePhoenix]

good luck. I just went thru a week with hard/no starting...was battery...again

 

[Webslinger]

WooHoo! Replaced the starter relay this afternoon and she started right up. Ran some errands this evening and not a hint of a problem when starting.

Thanks for the help!