X won't start - Starter Cable/Solenoid question

[JayBadge]

Here’s the story – it’s been in the -30’s and -20’s the past couple nights, and haven’t driven my X in 2 days. Tried to start it today and it would not turn over. No starter-clicking, NOTHING. Power features all worked (locks, windows, courtesy lights, etc…) but when I turned the key, silence. After 3 or 4 times trying this, I finally heard the starter trying to work, but explorer no start. By this time the battery was drained (still really cold outside at this time). Grabbed a battery charger and left it on there for a while. Came back and tried to start it again. Same scenario as earlier, except a LOT of smoke started emitting from the engine bay. I quickly turned it off and pulled the key out and went over to inspect the damage. What I discovered was a smoldering red wire running from the starter solenoid to the starter, completely melted.

From what I’ve been able to figure out from other threads on this forum the solenoid needs replacing, possibly the starter, and obviously the wire. I will be starting with the solenoid and wire. Below is a picture of the starter wire, it is the longer end that is clearly melted. My question is what is the other cable for? It was cut before I owned the X and I am wondering if this is something I need to hook up? Any help here would be much appreciated!

 

[Anime]

The thick wire goes from the battery to the fender mounted solenoid, which also serves as the power point for the main fuse box under the hood-basically where the juice for the electric stuff spreads out.

The smaller thin wire goes from the other terminal on the fender solenoid, to the starter mounted solenoid. It runs along the positive battery cable that goes from the battery to the starter motor itself.

You can have new cables made, or just buy new ones. Rockauto has a starter cable on clearance for $10, or you can get ones at NAPA that are similar to factory, just a little smaller and with import-style terminals.


And for a shameless plug, I'm selling my factory cables if you want those:

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=246777