Clicking before starting

[dmathis]

I have a stock 95 Explorer, V-6, manual tranny. Upon turning the key there is a loud clicking that appears to be coming from the solenoid. Vehicle clicks then starter engages and starts. Said solenoid has been replaced along with the starter, battery and ignition switch. Clicking does not happen when you jump solenoid, truck starts normally. I'm at my wits end. Any ideas?

 

[C420sailor]

All I can think of is to check the wiring/connections/voltages to the solenoid. A solenoid uses low amp 12V to energize a coil, which closes the high amp 12V circuit that feeds the starter. If the coil in the solenoid is receiving **** voltage (via a crap ground or dirty connection, most likely), it may not have enough energy to hold the solenoid closed. I'd start by cleaning any and all connections.

Just spitballing, hope you figure it out.