Starter, solenoid, or battery

[PropsterII]

I have a 2002 Ford Expedition that I mainly use just in the fall for hunting. It started every time, early and late, with no problems this last fall. It's been parked since late December, last time we hunted. I used it the other day to run up to my dad's to cut a couple trees down and haul some of the wood and branches away. Started probably half a dozen times that day no problem. Parked it Sat night in front of the garage to unload, and Sunday when I went to move it I got nothing but a click. I charged the battery, which was only at 55% and that still didn't do it. So I tried jumping it with the car and that didn't do it. I bought a new battery (was going to anyway) and put that in and still nothing. Checked all the connections, they are clean and tight. Tried tapping on the starter to no avail, and tried crossing the posts on the solenoid with the key on (I had heard that if the vehicle starts while doing this, the solenoid is bad). This didn't work either. So it seems to me I need a new starter. Is that the right diagnosis or am I missing something? Thanks

[highlife4me]

Can you turn the motor over by hand? Had a 99 F150 that hydro-locked. Twice, first time it cost me a motor when the rod decided to go through the side of the block. Second time I knew right away what the problem was and pulled the #1 spark plug to drain the coolant out so I could start it and drive it to the shop.

[delcecchi]

Did it crank when you put the pliers across the solenoid? (we used to do that back in the day). If it didn't crank, it is either the battery or the starter.

You could put a voltmeter across the battery while trying to crank and see what it shows.

You might also move to automotive forum. More guys who know what they are doing.

[Jeremy airjer W]

one single click is usually a good indicator that the solenoid on the starter is bad.

A series of rapid clicks with the key in the crank position is a good indicator that the battery is low on charge.

This year vehicle has a starter relay on the firewall on the passenger side. Make sure power is getting across the two large terminals when you try and crank. If it is, and the fact that you jumped the starter terminals at the starter, than I would bet the starter is the problem.

If I where to diagnose this I would check for power at the starter at both terminals with the key in the crank position. If there is power there than the starter is bad. If one is missing power than it's time to start tracing circuits.

[PropsterII]

Sorry guys, been busy. In addition, HSO seems to boot me out every other time I come on - says I am not logged in - anyone know what's causing that or how I can stay logged in?

Anyway, it wound up being the starter. Thank you.