Really pissed now.

[toughguy]

UPDATE:

After trying a few of the things listed here I decided to try one more thing, in the fu*king pouring rain I climbed under the truck with my trusty BFH and tapped the starter a few times....... then got into the truck and she STARTED !!!!!! So I guess its the starter is possibly going? thanks everybody for you input. also the battery voltage is 12.3v

are the starters hard to replace on these trucks?

 

[toughguy]

I will be using rock auto for the starter replacement, but has anybody used one of these before:

http://www.amazon.com/NEW-FORD-EXPL...9-1-943-138-1-0&sr=1-6&ymm=2000:ford:explorer

 

[Mesozoic]

I dunno, it's hard to beat the reliability of the Motorcraft units. I thought I'd upgrade with a Powermaster high torque model, but it doesn't work very well in cold weather (the solenoid that pushes the engagement out when you start doesn't move very quickly when it's cold).

 

[429CJ-3X2]

12.3 volts is still low. Anything under 12.6 is low.

The answer to your last question is, it's not a quick and easy job. There are significant obstacles in the way. I haven't had to do it yet, and I'm not looking forward to it.

 

[koda2000]

12.3 volts is still low. Anything under 12.6 is low.

The answer to your last question is, it's not a quick and easy job. There are significant obstacles in the way. I haven't had to do it yet, and I'm not looking forward to it.

True, and voltage is only 1/2 the critical measurement of a battery. It needs to be load tested.

 

[429CJ-3X2]

True, and voltage is only 1/2 the critical measurement of a battery. It needs to be load tested.

Yep. The battery in my daughter's Sable tested good after charging, but as soon as I connected the cables, not knowing the switch was turned to "on", it immediately dropped below 12 volts.

 

[toughguy]

True, and voltage is only 1/2 the critical measurement of a battery. It needs to be load tested.

ok, that my next plan before I pull starter.

 

[Bobmbx]

Swap the battery with one from another car. $10 says it starts right up.

 

[Robman]

Probably be ordering a new starter in a month or 2, better keep the hammer in the truck 'til then.

 

[gatzdon]

I will be using rock auto for the starter replacement, but has anybody used one of these before:

http://www.amazon.com/NEW-FORD-EXPL...9-1-943-138-1-0&sr=1-6&ymm=2000:ford:explorer

This is the one I put on my 2000 Ex.

Same issue as OP, but problem was with the starter having a dead spot. I could bang on the starter with a pipe, and it would start right up (sometimes).

Replaced with the linked cheapo starter from amazon and only noticeable difference is the starter has a higher pitched whine.

Keep in mind for me though, this vehicle is just a backup vehicle for driving around town, I use it primarily when the roads are bad so I don't care much if someone hits me, and I got AAA for when it will need towing (hasn't happened yet).

As mentioned previously, when you turn the key to start, power is cut to everything to both send max power to the starter AND to protect the electronics from voltage ripple caused by the starter.