95 explorer not starting

[sparty0008m]

I have a 95 explorer, v6 not sure the size but the problem im having is that it will not always start right away, i have to sit and keep turning the key to eventually get it started.....and when it does not start it makes a single click sound..then i try again....i was told solenoid or starter or a cable...any advice?

 

[MrShorty]

Any one of those is a good place to start.

1) Next time it won't start, tap on the starter with a hammer, then try again. If the no start is due to a sticky starter, the tap will usually get the starter to go.
2) Measure resistance or voltage drop for both battery cables. Resistance/voltage drop should be near 0. Also check for corrosion in the cables and loose connections at the battery post.
3) Solenoid is basically a type of switch. Use a voltmeter to see if the solenoid is doing what it should.

 

[JustAGurl]

I had a similar problem. Sometimes it would start, sometimes not. When it didn't I'd get a click noise from up near the fire wall under the hood. I had the starter tested and it tested fine so I moved on. My friend had me clean the cable ends going to the starter, in order to do that I had to pull the starter, they where clean. I thought since I had it out I was going to have it tested again, women's intuition I guess. I had then run it a couple of times. The first time fine, after that nada. I wish I would have thought to do that the first time it would have saved me some time and effort. Just a thought.