2003 Expedition suddenly wont start

[tdog71]

Woke up yesterday and tried to start my 03 Expedition and all I heard was clicking. Lights dimmed a little when key turned to start position too. My first thought was battery. I tried a jumpstart and the clicking was a little faster and the interior lights a little brighter(still went a little dim when key in start position). The clicking of the solenoid engaged the starter for maybe one slooow cycle. Keep in mind the starter was super strong and fast startup the day before. I then cut and replaced the ends of the battery cables at the battery and reattached the cables. Same deal. I'm starting to think the problem might now be at the starter. It almost seems as if the starter isnt getting full power. When I had a pal jump me, the starter semi came to life, but again loud clicking of the solenoid and one slow starter revolution. I'm going to try and jump(with jumper cable) from the positive side of the battery post to the battery connector on the starter. I should then be ok to try and start, no ? I have a hunch i may have some lead corrosion on the starter itself and/or cable from the battery, but have not crawled under truck yet. Any thoughts about what I'm trying to do or advice? Thanks

[Franco2112]

Sounds like a battery issue to me. I would have it checked. If your vehicle was fine the day before it is most likely your battery. You have to have the cranking amps there for Expeditions to start up properly. Just my thoughts.
Franco

[tdog71]

Originally Posted by Franco2112

Sounds like a battery issue to me. I would have it checked. If your vehicle was fine the day before it is most likely your battery. You have to have the cranking amps there for Expeditions to start up properly. Just my thoughts.
Franco

Even with a jumpstart from an another expedition vehicle though ? I was thinking if the jumpatart failed too, then the battery would be ruled out...or maybe thats not right

[Franco2112]

If the battery is to weak, then it will not be able to jump start. As stated above to rule out battery have it bench tested at your local auto parts store for free.
Franco

[tdog71]

Originally Posted by Franco2112

If the battery is to weak, then it will not be able to jump start. As stated above to rule out battery have it bench tested at your local auto parts store for free.
Franco

Im going to put a good battery from my other expo in tonight and see what happens. Ill report. Thx

[tdog71]

Well, dropping in a charged battery worked. Fired right up. I learned that if a jumpstart fails, it could still be a battery problem. Thanks all for the help. Hope this saves you from a costly mistake

[Franco2112]

No problem. Thanks for letting us know the outcome.
Franco