Picked up a 93 Ranger XLT, 4x2, 2.3L 5 Speed manual as a minor project for a beat around car. I've gotten a lot of good advice here without even asking any questions yet. I've replaced tie rod ends on both sides, steering gear box, both headlight assemblies, horn, front brake pads, and driver side front caliper. Today it began not starting. When I turn the key the starter engages with loud click, but the truck won't turn over. I noticed the battery was not the correct model so i had it tested. and it was bad. Bought new battery, truck started up great 2 or 3 times. Tonight as I was buttoning it up from replacing headlight assemblies, its doing the same thing. The lights work, nice and bright, dash lights up, but it won't turn over. Just that loud click sound of starter engaging. I'm going to trickle charge the battery all night since new batteries can be low on charge, but i have a suspicion something else is going on. Whats the next thing to look at? Bad starter? Don't think its alternator issue since I only started 2 or 3 times today for a couple minutes with the brand new battery in it. Appreciate any advice.

 

Welcome to the forum


1993 may still use the Starter Relay on the inner fender, if so then either relay is corroded inside or cable to starter is corroded

If you have a battery cable directly from Battery Positive to starter motor then clean both ends of that cable.
It may also have corrosion inside, under the plastic cover.

The lights are powered on different smaller cable, so if they were dim then battery or battery terminal would be suspect.
If it's just the starter then starter relay or starter cable is the problem.

Can also be dead spot on starter motor, they can fail that way

 

Great advice, RonD, thanks for the reply. Ill look that stuff over tomorrow. I'm not an experienced mechanic at all, learning as I go. That advice will get me started.