won't crank
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
won't crank
I have a '94 ranger .. sometimes she'll start , otherwise it has to be jumped .
I know the battery and alternator is good.. the ignition switch is busted ( key lock spins freely) ... could my problem be in the ignition or something else?
I know the battery and alternator is good.. the ignition switch is busted ( key lock spins freely) ... could my problem be in the ignition or something else?
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
Welcome to the forum.
If your key is spinning freely replacing the key cylinder is definitely a good place to start. If you've tried that it could be something broken with the actuator rod inside the steering column. Other than that you could have a loose connection on the battery, starter, or starter solenoid.
When you turn the key does the engine turn over? Click - Click? Nothing? Some more detail might help other members better understand your predicament. If you want to fill in your location maybe there's a member close by who would be willing to help out.
If your key is spinning freely replacing the key cylinder is definitely a good place to start. If you've tried that it could be something broken with the actuator rod inside the steering column. Other than that you could have a loose connection on the battery, starter, or starter solenoid.
When you turn the key does the engine turn over? Click - Click? Nothing? Some more detail might help other members better understand your predicament. If you want to fill in your location maybe there's a member close by who would be willing to help out.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 399
Likes: 3
From: Grand Rapids, MI
It does sound like a bad battery or bad connection then. How did you determine the battery is good? If the voltage is good the battery might still not be allowing enough current to turn the starter. Autozone can test batteries and alternators no charge. Maybe you did that already? Are the battery terminal connections tight with no corrosion? I'm by no means a certified mechanic but have had the fortune (misfortune?) of years of experience driving old vehicles.
Post Fiend
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 19,311
Likes: 97
From: Waterloo, Iowa
The problem is that a bad battery, a weak or discharged battery, bad cable, or loose or corroded connections all have exactly the same effect - CLICK. One thing to check for is cables or connections getting warm. If you have a voltmeter you can try a voltage drop test. Sometimes cable connections at the battery are OK, but the cable/clamp connection itself is bad. Clean and tighten all the connections at the battery, starter, ground straps to firewall, etc. If you have a voltmeter you can at least measure the alternator for being in the ballpark. Even if you "know" it's not the battery, charge it up overnight anyway with a 2 or 6 amp charge. You want to isolate the problem. Starters will sometimes draw lots of current before they fail altogether, but they don't usually get intermittent. Look for loose or corroded connections!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
nomadw8
Electrical Systems/Wiring
6
Oct 25, 2021 10:23 PM
sabresfan616
Explorer, Sport Trac, Mountaineer & Aviator
3
Aug 20, 2012 06:41 AM
zehcnasca
1967 - 1972 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
11
Nov 8, 2011 11:26 AM
brocobilliam
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
16
Jan 3, 2006 11:34 AM
