I have 2017 Ford Explorer 4WD with a 2.3L Ecoboost. I believe the starter motor quit - slow cranking last 4 days now clicking and no cranking. The battery was tested and has plenty of power. I just can't seem to located the starter. Searches on the web indicate its on the passenger side and can be serviced through the wheel well. Haynes repair manual has me pulling the air filter housing with location of the starter near the battery tray on top of the transmission casing. In all cases I have not been able to locate it. Any help would be appreciated.

 

Trace where your vehicle positive battery cable goes.
It eventually will end at the starter motor.

 

Once you locate the starter there are quite a few tests to be performed before replacing your starter. Based on your symptoms a bad starter motor is 50-50 or perhaps even just 30%. You have the $200 to throw a new starter at it, what if you have the exact same issue again after a new starter is replaced.

 

That starter is after all 9 years old and who knows how many starts it has delivered.
Better to do a few simple tests than replacing a possibly good starter..