Starter Problems...

[RallyEX]

When I try to start the X, it clicks. I realize this is a common failure, so I searched and found threads that gave me some useful info. I had the battery tested, and it is good. Charged it a bit, but still clicking.

I cleaned all of the contacts and ring terminal connectors related to the starter, and got all corrosion away from them. Still clicky clicky.

I inserted the key in the ignition and switched it to the 'on' position. I removed the signal lead to the ignition switch and jumped the two large posts on the starter relay, and the solenoid still clicks.

The ring terminal on the starter solenoid can be moved by hand, but it is very tight and you do have to strain to wiggle it at all, all the other connections seem to be very tight.

Is there anything further i should be doing before I pull out the starter/solenoid tonight? What should I look for when I pull it out in reference to signs of wear? Can I test the solenoid/starter safely outside of the vehicle by hooking it up to the battery?

How will I know if it is just the solenoid, just the starter, or both?

Any and all ideas are appreciated! I searched and found alot of info, but I just needed a few more specifics... thanks!!

 

[TPLYNCH]

Have you replaced the battery cables themselves??? They are notorious for rotting on the inside in the '91-94 Explorers.

 

[RallyEX]

Not yet...

Nope, not yet... but they were replaced not long before I bought the truck... also, I had someone flip the switch while I was underneath with a volt meter and it read well...

 

[ahhjaws]

You could try hitting the starter with a pipe or something metal. Sometimes the starter just gets stuck.

 

[Alec]

Sounds like the problem is either in the cables from the fender solenoid to the starter, the starter itself, or the other solenoid mounted to the starter.

That you for being very thorough in your initial post and describing everything you did in good English You really narrowed down the problem.

 

[Shurup]

Yes you can test it outside of truck. Just remove it and connect it directly to the battery.
The battery still MAY be a problem. I had a problem on my old camaro which looks exactly like yours. I tried lots of things and none of them helped. I tested the battery and it was fine. BUT. On that batter I had two pares of electric connections: one was on the top of the batt. and one was on the side wall. In my car it was connected to the top connectors, but when I connected it to the side wall connectors it worked.

 

[RealXP8]

I agree with shurup, Check the battery again, What kind is it? I've had batteries that read good, but weren't. Did you try jump starting it? With it being jumped run a screw driver across the solenoid, if that doesn't work, it's probably not the solenoid. I also agree that cheap wires corode on the inside and you can't see it.