Truck doesn't start sometimes

[beav0]

I try to start the truck and I get a clicking noise. I try it 3or4 more times and than it eventually starts. The wierd thing is I have no problems with it until another 3 weeks or so. Same thing happens and than it works fine. Been happening for like 3 months now.

any clue?

97 ford explorer with 180K on it

 

[happy fun ball]

97 Explorer? 180k? I think it has served you pretty well. Give it a decent burial and move on.

 

[BigWill]

Bad silynoid (sp?)

5 dollar part.

 

[twid]

car bomb?

 

[VacantlyOccupied]

What will said. Either that or your starter is going. Not terribly expensive either way.

 

[accuratehorn]

Current is reaching the starter solenoid. It might not be enough current if the battery is weak or the cables dirty.
If there is enough current, the starter solenoid or starter motor is bad. Don't work on Fords much, but they used to mount the solenoid on the fender well, and it was a common part to replace, and easy to do.

 

[Waxahorn]

1st thing, clean and tighten your cable connections at the battery.

 

[po elvis]

i had the exact same thing happen. it did it occasionally over several months. it finally wouldn't start at all. had to get a new starter.

 

[beav0]

In reply to:

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[HilltopHorn]

180 K for a Ford? yeah, bury it....I will be turning 300 K on my Chevy half ton next month, and we still have great respect for each other....on the other hand, that is why i also know a fair amount about how to fix cars...but its more a hobby than a necessity.