2003 Ex Rough Start

[cferrara64]

After scouring the forums here, and finding many solutions that have saved me TONS of money. (Blend Door Actuator, Shock/Strut Replacement, Front Bearings, etc.) I have run into a new problem that I haven't been able an exact thread that solves what I have going on now.

My Truck:
03 Explorer XLT 4.0 L V6 with 165,000 miles on it.

The Problem:
Here in Buffalo its starting to cool off, unless my truck has been sitting in the sun staying warm, it is difficult to start. what will happen is: on the first turn of the key, the starter will turn over and spin but not engage to start the engine. Sometimes ending with a squeal and quick stop, on the second turn it typically engages and starts like nothing ever happened. Once every five or six times it takes 3 turns. Once started, she runs like a champ so I'm thinking somehow the starter isn't engaging completely. I have no idea how to fix this or if I'm even remotely on the right path. Any help or insight is sincerely appreciated!

 

[MrBean]

hello cferrara64, first time posting huh? anyways, I have come across something similar to this before on a customer's X and I tested the batteries first, clean the posts and cable ends, inspected wires for loose connections, checked voltage available at the solenoid of your starter make sure u get at least same or close to batt voltage. I took off the starter and took it down to to autozone and had them tested it for free and it turned out bad...put on a new starter and took care of business...good luck

 

[Am3gross]

hello cferrara64, first time posting huh? anyways, I have come across something similar to this before on a customer's X and I tested the batteries first, clean the posts and cable ends, inspected wires for loose connections, checked voltage available at the solenoid of your starter make sure u get at least same or close to batt voltage. I took off the starter and took it down to to autozone and had them tested it for free and it turned out bad...put on a new starter and took care of business...good luck

I agree here except for the taking it to get tested, if it only did it when it is getting cold then they probably won't be able to test it to see and get the same results because it won't be cold.. But I do agree that it is the starter!

 

[cferrara64]

Thanks for the replies guys, so is the thought process here that the gear on the starter isn't lifting and engaging and thats why its spinning out without turning the engine over? This is what I had initially thought the problem was but I dont know if I can actually see that happening under the hood, I'm gonna try to have my girlfriend crank the engine over while I look under the hood to see if thats the case. Also, what are the thoughts on a starter out of a junk yard? Is it just worth spending the $50 from Rock Auto?

 

[Am3gross]

I would buy new, the one from the Jyard might give you a 30day warrenty but to me it is worth it to spend a few extra and get at least a year if not longer