'91 explorer e.b. starter problem

Alright, my truck was running fine all morning. I went out to run a couple errands. I was about to leave for work in the afternoon, but the truck wouldn't start at all.

I tried it a couple times, but absolutely nothing would happen. When I turn the key, all I hear is one click -- no cranking noise, sputtering, etc. I tried jumping it with both another car, and a standalone generator, but same thing. What's weird is all electronics work fine (radio, lights, etc.) -- which leads me to believe the problem is with the starter itself. If this is the case, could anyone let me know what the approx. cost would be to get it replace by a shop? TIA

I suspect the labor rate to replace the starter on a 2wd version could be significantly less than on a 4wd. You probably should provide that info, but the price of the starter can vary from one shop to another, and from the level of quality in the starter, and if they use a rebuilt or new starter. Likewise, the labor rate could vary from one shop to another. Any of these prices can vary from your location to other locations in the country.

The starter is a likely culprit for the symptoms you describe. You will of course want to make sure the battery cables are clean and tight, but since jump starting and the generator did not seem to make a difference, the cable connections at the battery are not likely the issue.

The next thing you can try is to tap on the starter housing prior to or during a start attempt. If this seems to allow the starter to spin over, then the starter motor assembly is VERY likely your issue.

Many shops can give you an estimate for a starter replacement on your vehicle (but make sure you have all the information available, year, engine, 2wd or 4wd) over the phone at no charge.

-Rod

Thanks for your reply. It's a 4WD. If I do need to get it done, I might either show it to my neighbor (he's an auto mechanic) or take it to Quantz. I'll try that tapping method you described and report back on whether it's definitely the starter. Thanks again!

91 thru 93 Explorers had plenty of problems with the battery cables especially with the positive one. They are not cheap. I had the same problem as you described. From the order of cheap to expensive I would 1) clean battery terminals, 2) Try to bang on the side of the starter while starting and if this works then problem is your starter, 3) You could also remove the starter and take it to AutoZone / Kragens etc. and have them put it on the tester, 4) replace the battery cables. Let us know what happens.