Cold - Click - No Start

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Nov 16, 2011 | 08:46 PM

Grumpy Moose

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Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 169

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From: Anchorage, Alaska

Cold - Click - No Start

Forgive me if this has been discussed before.

Has anyone experienced the symptoms of a dead battery when cold? Went to start this morning, not really that cold, "only" about 0F. Turned the key and click - engine doesn't turn over just like a dead battery. But I knew that the battery is an almost new Die Hard, and I even put a float on it a few weeks ago before winter set in and confirmed it was just fine and fully charged. So I kept trying and eventually the engine finally cranked and started up like nothing was wrong. Same thing happened leaving the office today as well, was about 5F.

Anyone have any insights?

Nov 16, 2011 | 09:56 PM

Dave G.

Elder User

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 601

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Check the red battery cable connection at the starter. They are notorious for rotting off a few strands at a time. That connection is right under the the engine and exposed to water, salt, brush. It can be repaired with a #4 welding cable lug and some solder ( if that's the problem).

Dave

Nov 16, 2011 | 10:34 PM

jh818

Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2009

Posts: 2,885

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From: Chino, California

Maybe the relay?

Nov 17, 2011 | 01:09 AM

Grumpy Moose

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Senior User

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 169

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From: Anchorage, Alaska

Thanks. Will check these out. That in fact seemed to be my first observation too - everything in the truck was getting adequate power, except the starter.

Nov 17, 2011 | 01:23 AM

BigAlsPSD

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Pea Ridge, AR

Is it an automatic? Your shifter doesn't happen to be sloppy does it? It's another possibility, if it acts up again try shifting to neutral.

If a manual trans maybe the CPP(Clutch Pedal Position) sensor.

Nov 18, 2011 | 08:55 PM

Dangy

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Joined: Nov 2011

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Man I saw your post and signed up here!
Exact freaking thing happened to me last night. Drove it in the morning and wont start at night. Definitely something related to cold. Read somewhere about a cold intake valve which gets stuck? I actually could feel it having problems on cold mornings from the last two weeks. Any ideas would be great. Now only if I knew where these things are located on the ranger :lol:

Mar 26, 2020 | 06:30 AM

HVFDFIREFIGHTER1618

Elder User

Joined: Jun 2018

Posts: 550

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From: Heuvelton, NY

Good place to start is the battery connections. Clean up real good maybe even use a little grease. Next is the ground connection to truck. Then check to make sure cables are good and if proper size. 6 volts like their juice!

Another thing with a float charger. Make sure it actually works. I bought three before I finally got one that works like it should.