96 Explorer starter problem

CHECK YOUR BATTERY CABLE AND CLEAN THEM UP

The battery cables were replaced a couple months ago and terminals cleaned up. I'll check them again though. Incidentally when it wouldn't crank this last time, tapping the starter made it work, this after the dealer replaced the starter. Bad part maybe or something else? Thanks!

It's been a while and I don't remember the symptoms exactly but I eliminated a similar problem on my '91 by replacing the ignition switch.

Last tim I ran into this it was the starter solenoid (the small cylinder on top of the starter. Next time it won't start, try giving it a light blow with something - but not too heavy something! Another cause I recall is the starter motor brushes. Unfortunately, a light blow also cures that symptom temporarily :-; Start with the brushes - they should be a lot cheaper than the solenoid.

Come to think of it it could easily be just another bad starter motor. Was it a rebuild?

I had one once that worked when it was removed from the truck--if it was turned in the mounting position it wouldn't work.

Thanks for all the tips and replies The Ford service center replaced the starter, I *assume* with a new starter motor as I paid about $300 for parts + labor for what was listed as "starter motor" and "core return". Could be rebuilt for all I know. I have taken it back to the same place since then and they say they need it not to start in order to run diagnostics on it. They've had it for a few days now and of course it starts every time, could be a month before it fails again. Could be tomorrow. I've thought about telling them to replace the solenoid but then again, like the last poster said, maybe it's still the starter motor (I get the feeling they are reluctant to replace it a second time because the 2nd one is on them). Not sure how best to proceed, other than I've got a spare car for now and for the $300 I paid to get my Explorer to start, they need to fix it. I'll post a follow-up in about a year when they finally figure it out :-) Thanks again guys! Greggo

Thanks for all the tips and replies The Ford service center replaced the starter, I *assume* with a new starter motor as I paid about $300 for parts + labor for what was listed as "starter motor" and "core return". Could be rebuilt for all I know. I have taken it back to the same place since then and they say they need it not to start in order to run diagnostics on it. They've had it for a few days now and of course it starts every time, could be a month before it fails again. Could be tomorrow. I've thought about telling them to replace the solenoid but then again, like the last poster said, maybe it's still the starter motor (I get the feeling they are reluctant to replace it a second time because the 2nd one is on them). Not sure how best to proceed, other than I've got a spare car for now and for the $300 I paid to get my Explorer to start, they need to fix it. I'll post a follow-up in about a year when they finally figure it out :-) Thanks again guys! Greggo