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2004 Ranger Won't Start, No lights, Battery Good

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  #1  
Old 08-19-2011
Baxter's Avatar
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From: kc, mo
2004 Ranger Won't Start, No lights, Battery Good

Yesterday my truck was running fine. Today I tried to start it and nothing, not even clicking. Have a 1 month old battery that shows full charge on the charger meter. I tried to charge it anyway but nothing changes.

The only light on the dash or anywhere on the vehicle is the key/lock icon on the dash but it doesn't flash, just stays solid red. No headlights, no dome light, no hazard lights ect.

Battery cables are tight on the posts.

I replaced the PCM 10A fuse in the engine compartment (Fuse 21) even though it didn't look blown. Also replaced the "run/start" fuse in the passenger compartment fuse box but still doesn't work.

I don't understand why it would be running fine, then have this happen just from sitting in the driveway for 10 hours.
 
  #2  
Old 08-19-2011
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From: kc, mo
If I disconnect the battery, then reconnect, the dome light comes on, the dash dummy lights and the door ajar beeping returns. As soon as I turn the ignition everything goes dark again.

?
 
  #3  
Old 08-19-2011
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From: Lancaster, CA.
Sounds like a bad connection to the battery. Check the terminals.
 
  #4  
Old 08-20-2011
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From: kc, mo
Thanks for the reply. I cleaned the battery posts with sandpaper until they were shiny and wiped them down with a rag. Also cleaned the inside of the terminal clamps. Battery water level is good. Charger meter shows 100% charge.

Tried a different battery and same thing happens.

edit: also made sure the clamps are super tight to the terminals
 

Last edited by Baxter; 08-20-2011 at 12:34 AM.
  #5  
Old 08-20-2011
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From: .
haha this is exactly what mine just started doing tonight. my thoughts are when my key is all the way forward but motor is still off i can watch my dash lights dim and come back as voltage is fluctuating. so its definitely a faulty connection. Im thinking its a mega ground such as battery to frame or block to battery or body to frame. my battery is under 2 months old. never been in winter yet. fluid is good. terminals are clean. and under a volt meter it right around 13 so its charged good. alternator is BRAND spanking new so thats out and pats system is off as well so its not that. The only option left is a bad ground or ignition switch
 
  #6  
Old 08-20-2011
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From: Nashville, NC
^Yup. Dont forget to check all of your grounds. Grounds can be sneaky sometimes.

Report back.
 
  #7  
Old 08-20-2011
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From: Windsor NS
What about the starter solenoid? Is it even turning over? If you find that it's not turning over try directly connecting the two posts on the solenoid for a couple seconds (it should immediately try to turn over) and see if that does anything.
 
  #8  
Old 08-20-2011
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From: kc, mo
Got it working by tightening the clamps that hold the pos and neg cables. I had already cleaned and tightened the ones to the battery terminals. But never touch the ones that connect the copper cables to the female post clamps.

They actually did feel loose when I tightened them. I never even think about them because why would they be loose? But I guess they were.

I also removed and sandpapered the metal ground contacts to the frame before that because I saw some rust but I'm pretty sure it was the loose cable clamps. I appreciate the help.
 
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