So I bought a 98 ranger a couple weeks ago and about a week after I bought it, it stopped starting. It's a 5 speed so I was able to roll start it and then it would run fine. A few days ago I replaced the starter and it was starting great, but I went to get in it today and its back to not starting. When I turn the key it clicks and the radio and everything comes on but it doesn't even get close to starting. Any ideas about what it could be? Any help would be great!

 

Welcome to the forum

FIRST Test battery voltage
12.8 volts is a new battery
12.5v is a 3 year old battery
12.3v is a 5 year old battery, and time to shop for a battery sale, battery is at 50%

12.2v or less is a failed battery, click, click, click

If battery voltage is 12.3v or higher then it could be the positive battery cable OR Negative battery cable is not making a good connection

The lights and radio, even head lights draw about 25amps altogether

Starter motor needs 70+ AMPS, alot of amps
So loose cable, ground included, means click, click, click

If you get engine started test battery voltage with engine running, should be 14.5 volts to 14.9volts just after start up
If not alternator may not be charging battery

 

I had the battery checked and it read fine so I don't think it's that. The battery cable seem to be fine too. I've been told once in a blue moon people get new starters that are bad out of the box but I doubt that it's that as it's pretty rare. I did get one pretty solid start out of it tonight but then I just tried to start it again and no dice. Still just a click.

 

Battery
Cable
Starter

Thats all there is if you hear a "click", so not complicated, one of those 3 is bad


Not sure what "battery reads fine" means, no numbers?

Do you have a volt meter or can you get one from a friend?

 

I can't remember what it was for sure but I'm pretty sure it was 12.5v or above. I had it checked at auto zone. Its definitely reassuring to hear it can only be one of those three though.

 

If it was just the battery or the cables I would be able to jump it though right?

 

Depends on where the cable is bad, they can corrode underneath the insulation, usually at the battery end, positive and negative can both be affected.

 

No way to test battery cables for 70amps, you can put volt meter on starter motors Battery connection, should read 12.5volts, then have someone turn key to start and see what it reads, if it drops down to under 8volts then either battery or cable is bad, could be either cable, Positive or Negative

"New" starter is bad would be my guess

 

Sorry, but I just joined the forum.
I have a similar problem with my Ranger now, but figured I'd put in my two cents here.
I worked on a '96 Ranger a couple of years ago that had a faulty keyswitch. Turning
the key got the system to start up, but the wear and tear on the contacts dropped the
output voltage below the starter level. I replaced the keyswitch, and all was well!

I hope that's not the problem with my Ranger, but I'll find out tomorrow...