E150 Starting Problem - Electric Related

I posted a prior thread this morning about my E150 not starting. Seems to be electrical in nature. As I said, I have been having a problem for quite some time with ( apparently ) the solenoid or the starter motor....hand to turn the key several ( numerous times! ) to get the engine to turn over. I lived with this problem for a year or so!

This morning I could get the engine to turn over....but never to the point of ignition. At times, the engine would cease turning over ( or slow significantly ) without my 'backing off' the key. I also noticed that my remote lock/unlock button ( on the key chain ) doesn't work anymore - I even bought a new battery for this remote and it still won't lock/unlock the doors.

Something real screwy go'n on hear!!!

Please help!

Roger

I hear it gets plenty cold in Chicago. When it gets really cold the grease in the solenoid of the starter gets stiff and you'll get the symptoms you are having. Switch to a lighter engine oil and get your battery tested. Cold weather will finish of a marginal battery. If it is over 3 years old it is probably on it's way out.