I have a 2003 explorer, has always been a strong starter, wife tries to start it this morning and nothing. Oh and it is very cold where we live right now. So i disconnect the terminals and clean everything up, re-connect and still nothing, just a very slight tick. So i try a battery out of a 3/4 ton dodge truck that i have and still nothing.Lights and everything appear to be strong so i dont think its a battery issue. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

You didn't say how many miles were on the vehicle, but that could have some bearing on the problem. Something you might try and that is to take a small hammer and tap the starter motor a few times then try starting it again. If it starts now, that would be an indication the starter is nearing replacement. Try that and let us know if you got it to start.

 

ok, hit starter with hammer a few times and it finally started so, not sure if starter is going bad or bendix was just frozen and wouldnt pop out.(like i said very cold here)

 

Just as a little follow-up, if the starter drive was frozen the starter motor would run, but not engage the flywheel teeth. Since all you heard was a click, again depending on the miles and how many times the engine was started, It would still be a good time to consider looking into that starter. Have a great holiday !!

 

I think it's time for a new starter and get it over with. I don't think the climate has too much to do with it. the nose of the starter is completely covered so little moisture can get in there and effect the drive.