...
Go have the battery load tested. replace if low on cca then figure out whats draining the battery by doing a
parasitic draw test.
You nailed it, this was the issue...
Going to be out over $100 for a new battery, looks like.
My son-in-law helped, and we pulled the starter out so a parts store could test it, and it passed testing. After we reinstalled the starter, he pulled his battery out of his truck and plugged it in to my Expedition. The Expy then started right up. I mean right up.
With it still running, we pulled his battery and then hooked mine back up and the engine started lugging to the point almost shut off a few times over the next 2 or 3 minutes. It was bad. Never seen a battery affect a vehicle like that before, ever. After leaving it running for about 45 minutes, and driving around for 10 minutes of that or so, it now starts again. For who knows how long, but it starts. Weird.
I need a new battery and do not have the receipt for this under 3-year old Motorcraft battery, so can't even try for a warranty replacement from the local Ford dealership. Kinda sucks.