That's what my DII did! Wouldn't start in a parking lot for my babysitter, but started 2 hours later when I went to get it. Had the battery tested the next morning and it showed it to be weak so I replaced it and my wife was able to start it three times that day then it wouldn't start once she pulled across a friend's driveway. I was able to get there as it started pouring and tested the starter circuit to find it functioning. Crawled underneath and hit the starter, then turned the key and it fired right up. Replaced the starter that night and it has started every time since then.

 

Well, I got stranded at work because it wouldn't start yet again. It was fine this morning and fine at lunch...what a pain.

 

Replace the starter. That will solve your problem.

If you get stuck, try tapping (vigorously) on the starter with a wrench or hammer. This may jog it enough to get you past the bad brush(s) and let it start.

 

Do yourself big favor. Get underneath the truck and eyeball the point where the starter ground wire connects to the frame. Mine did the exact same thing you report and the bolt securing the cable to the frame looked like it was on the Titantic.

 

I'm slacking...I've been really busy and driving the Rover when it starts. I will get underneath and check the ground wires (hopefully I can locate them easily) later today. That would be GREAT if it's the problem. If it is the starter, I'll probably have a buddy install a new one because I don't have stands or a few of the tools necessary. PITA lately...I'm tempted to sell it and upgrade to a new model with less mileage...

 

You don't need stands to replace the starter. Honestly the starter is easy peasy as long as you don't booger the hex socket cap screws. I have a feeling you're living on borrowed time.

 

Sometimes a starter will work when cold, but after stopping and trying to start when hot, no dice.

 

If you pull off the front pax wheel, and sit right there in the wheel well, the starter is right in front of you. A set of tin snips and a few precise cuts, the inner fender will fold out of the way, easy access to several items then.

 

I was able to replace mine without cutting anything. Search and you'll find detailed How-to threads on starter replacement.

Are we placing bets on whether he changes the starter or he gets stranded somewhere first?

 

"She" has been lucky so far The grounds I could see looked okay. Here's another spin....I've found that if I turn the key but don't attempt to start it for a few seconds, it starts. The start is a little hard, but it turns over. Also, when I turn the key to position 2 (I think that's the corrected phrasing) I hear a soft clunk.