I know that there is a Ranger forum but would rather ask the Missouri Chapter first because you guys are the best. My 92 Ranger won't start. Turn the key and get an audiable "CLICK". Truck runs good - nothing to indicate something was going wrong. Drove it to work this morning came out this evening and it wouldn't start.

Battery is good. Starter less than a year old - took it off - had it tested at Advance auto parts - it tested OK. I also replaced the starter relay. Not sure where to go next. Thought I would look at the clutch interlock switch tomorrow.

It's seems to be isolated to the starting system as a couple buddy's helped me push start it to get home. Popped the clutch it fired right up and ran fine. Any suggestions as to what to look at next?

Thanks in advance
Bobf100

 

I wouldn't think it would be the interlock switch since it's clicking. If it were the switch it shouldn't even click. Did you test the battery too or how do you 'know' it's good? What about the cable going from the relay to the starter? Ends corroded or a break in it inside?

If all else fails, PM vloney. He's the master here!! I pay omage to my master!

 

sounds like you've got the "no brainer" stuff going on. Check your battery cables and ends(especially the small grounds by the battery). There is a small connector in one of the cables near your battery, make sure its ok. If the terminal on the starter is damaged, you can get a noise like that. Watch the mounting of the starter, if its not squarely mounted, it can bind. If the nose of the starter is damaged(bushing,snap ring) it wont start, but will still turn(as in the bench test at the parts house). Let us know what you find.

 

wow


my truck is infecting the area!

look out guys. the no start pleague is comming

 

Yep, click usually means connection problems, or relay. Check the ground cables too. Be absolutely certain the battery shows 12 volt minimum, and if possible, see what it pulls down to when trying to crank, the click. It should not drop below 9 volt ever.I have seen brand new batteries fail, so just because it is a newer battery, do not assume it to be ok.I would probably concentrate on the positive and negative cables, and the main cable to the starter.

 

We always blame it on the new guy anyway.

 

Could be a short in the battery itself. Been there, done that. Try using another battery out of a different rig.

 

Thanks guys -- took a close look at all my cables. Cleaned all the cable connections, grounds and battery connections. Also cut the ends off the starter cables and reterminated new connections with soldered joints. It fired right up and runs great.

You guys were right. There was no visible corrosion on any of the connections and using a meter showed continuitiy but it still needed cleaning to provide a good solid connection. Next time that will be the first place I look. Thanks a bunch.

bobf100

 

bobf100 are you making any progress on the old telephone company truck?

 

Slmann - actually found one in Joplin - unfortunately it's a bowtie.... But it's complete and a numbers matching truck. 1957 with an inline 6. Owner bought it from the phone company in 1966 then used for for primary transportation a few years then as a work truck out on the farm. They parked it out under a tree in the pasture in 1972 where it sat until I came along. Lots of rust in the floor boards. Originally I thought I would put the bed on a Ford but decided to go ahead and restore the bowtie instead because it is so complete and original. Right now I'm doing a complete disassembly down to bare frame. I've got pictures of the truck but I believe the website rules prohibit me from showing it (Fords only).

Still have my 56 F100 and am hoping to attend the October St. Louis get together.

bobf100

 

if you make it to the meet bring pics I would like to see them and I'm sure some of the others would too.