Engine won't crank

I have a 3.2L 93 Rodeo with manual transmission that starts and runs wonderfully except when the temperature drops down into the 30s and below. At these temps turning the key will crank the engine about half the time on the first turn of the key. The other times there is no response -- not even a click of the solenoid kicking in. I have discovered that when the truck fails to start, I can get it going by turning the key off then back on. After about three to five attempts the engine cranks and starts perfectly.

I cleaned the battery terminals, and that made no difference.

I had the battery and charging system tested, and they are good.

Can someone help with a couple of questions:
1. Where is the ground point? I only found a small wire attached to the tray the battery is in. Is that the ground on this? I expected a larger wire fastened someplace where there is no paint.
2. Is there a sequence of simple tests that I could follow to eliminate components in the starting system?
3. Does anyone know of a diagram and diagnostic sequence on line?

Thanks,

sounds like the starter is on the way out.

How old is the battery? Did they do a load test on the battery?
Older batteries tend to loose storage power faster when the temperature goes down below 32 degrees.

How old is the battery? Did they do a load test on the battery?
Older batteries tend to loose storage power faster when the temperature goes down below 32 degrees.


The battery is a bit old, but they did a load test on it so I was wondering about other parts in the starting system.