When it gets cold my 2000 XLT won't start. It makes a clicking sound when I turn the key but it won't even start to turn over.

I had the same problem two winters ago and some banging on the starter would get it working. Once it was warm it would start just fine. Through the summer and even last winter I never had any problems. This latest time banging didn't seem to work and I didn't have the patients to bang very long, so knowing in the past it would start warm I put a heater under the starter and it eventually would start.

I just replaced the original battery so I know that isn't the issue. I'm wondering if I got some moisture into the starter by driving in deep snow and it is freezing and if putting in a new starter would fix it. Or if someone can suggest something else that might be causing it not to turn over.

Thanks

 

[QUOTE=chossy;3502629]When it gets cold my 2000 XLT won't start. It makes a clicking sound when I turn the key but it won't even start to turn over.

I had the same problem two winters ago and some banging on the starter would get it working. Once it was warm it would start just fine. Through the summer and even last winter I never had any problems. This latest time banging didn't seem to work and I didn't have the patients to bang very long, so knowing in the past it would start warm I put a heater under the starter and it eventually would start.

I just replaced the original battery so I know that isn't the issue. I'm wondering if I got some moisture into the starter by driving in deep snow and it is freezing and if putting in a new starter would fix it. Or if someone can suggest something else that might be causing it not to turn over.

Check your voltage at the starter relay on the firewall (you should have that setup on a 2000) and then with the ignition key forward, check your voltage again at the starter. If your voltage is fine then you have a starter that is not engaging forward to the fly wheel.
It is either gummed up with crap and a little moisture or you have alot of moisture in it, and like you said, freezing up. If the starter is original, not a bad idea changing it anyway's. I put a new one in this past summer, because my wires were horribly corroded, the starter connections were badly corroded and the previous owner had the neg wire bracket jammed up in the frame area because it had broken off. The starter always started but I know it was a matter of time before it stopped working. Last winter there were a few really cold nights here in NY where it gave me a hard time but then it would engage Good luck with it.
Oh ye, you will want to pull the passanger front tire to access the top mounting bolt. You will have better access to the bolt that is facing you from that side as well. It makes life alot easier.

TJKinCNY

 

As suggested check the wires leading to the starter. Over time corrosion leeches up the wires and impedes current flow. Colder weather increases the current requirement and your battery is not strong enough till you heat it up.

 

Thanks for the suggestions. The one for removing the tire will come in handy if I end up fixing it myself.

I did some looking on the Net and found a Ford bulletin about the issue for 97-00 F150's and it sounds like it is an issue with a seal and the starter solenoid freezing from moisture.