intermittent no start/no crank

[freak]

I have a 2000 XLS 4x4, manual, 4.0 OHV. I have an intermittent start issue. At times it won't crank at all. Headlights do not dim when key is in start postion. No solenoid click can be heard. I depressed the clutch numerous times while trying. I wiggled the key on and off. The battery connections are clean and tight. A couple more tries and it starts right up. I pulled the starter and was going to replace it but now I hesitate. The starter has the solenoid built on to it but is there a separate starter relay? Any other ideas?

 

[koda2000]

put a meter ot test light on the solenoid "S" terminal and see of it lights when to turn the key to start. of it does, bad solenoid. if it doesn't, bad ign switch or clutch switch. you could also try running a jumper wire from the battery + to the soleniod "S" terminal of the solenoid (MAKE SURE TRANS IS IN NUETRAL) and see if the starter spins every time. if it does then the solenoid/starter is not your problem,