'96 engine doesn't crank

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Apr 23, 2017 | 08:34 AM

john jamieson

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Joined: Jul 2015

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From: tucson

'96 engine doesn't crank

Lent my '96 with 4.0 and auto to my stepdaughter. 2 weeks later I get a call that it's not running and won't start. A quick check is showing that the battery is low on the idiot meter with no deflection when the key is turned to the start position. There is no sound like a clicking solenoid, only a very faint click from one of the relays in the power distribution box. a quick charge didn't do anything. I've got the battery on a slow overnight charge.
Any ideas where to start?
Thanks. john

Apr 23, 2017 | 12:36 PM

john jamieson

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Cargo Master

Joined: Jul 2015

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From: tucson

I forgot to add that I hooked up a code reader and it didn't have any stored

Apr 23, 2017 | 06:20 PM

ranger pat

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From: Elk River, MN

Do a quick check of the positive terminal at the starter motor. The terminal has a 90 degree bend where it attaches and over time it is possible engine roll can wear out the metal in the cable terminal. It happened to be like that. Power everything but the starter. But charge the battery. Good Luck.

Apr 23, 2017 | 07:15 PM

john jamieson

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From: tucson

Thanks for the reply. I charged the battery with it out of the truck. Put it in and it started right up. This is the second vehicle I've had a dead battery issue in a week where it couldn't be jumped started. My girlfriends car and my truck. The only thing that I've seen in common is that they had usb type power adapters in the cig lighter sockets. I don't know if that was their only issue or if I'm not getting the whole story (most likely)

. But I'm starting to get irritated with some people near me. Think I'll pour myself a stiff drink tonight.

Apr 24, 2017 | 12:10 PM

pawpaw

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Joined: Jan 2004

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From: SW Va

Pour a stiff one for the truck too!!!! lol Good idea to have put the battery on a slow over night recharge. With no one fessing up who knows what happened.
I suppose it could be a charging system or maybe slipping serp belt problem, now that you have the battery all charged up, you could run the vehicle by your favorite auto parts store for their no cost in vehicle electrical system load test check-up, that can determine the alternator, battery & battery cable & connections health. Let us know what you find.