Ranger starting problem

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Apr 23, 2001 | 09:24 PM

jeff21876

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Joined: Jan 2001

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From: Michigan

Ranger starting problem

First of all, my truck is a 94 ranger 4x2 with 3.0L auto, and 155,000 miles. I first noticed this problem today, when I started it, it kind of made a grinding noise, but did start. I stopped for gas and shut it off, and as soon as I did I had a feeling that I should have left it running. Sure enough, I tried to start it and the solenoid just "clicked" at me, and thats all it would do. I don't know if it just cooled down a little bit, but after 10-15 minutes after being shut off, I tried the key and it started to crank over, but i could hear it grinding but it did start. I know that can't be good for the flywheel.... My best guess would be a bad starter, or possibly a bad ground. Anybody have any input??? I would really appreciate it since this truck is my daily transportation.

Thanks in advance
Jeff

Apr 23, 2001 | 10:12 PM

whomrig

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: SF Bay area

Ranger starting problem

Hi Jeff, i would tend to agree with a starter problem. probably orig. starter time for replacement.

Wayne

Apr 24, 2001 | 10:54 AM

jim henderson

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Joined: Mar 2001

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From: So Cal

Ranger starting problem

Could also be a battery or connection going bad. If your battery has a few miles on it, it would be worth checking the charge. Also wouldn't hurt to clean the connections on the battery and solenoid and maybe the starter.

I especially watch for corrosion on the battery terminals. Sometimes the terminals will get a dark coating that can fool you into thinking it is just dark lead, but actually whatever it is acts like an insulator. You should use a battery brush to clean the terminals and connectors. Clean the top of the battery too, that greassy film is often conductive and can slowly drain the battery.

All of these fixes are free and worth doing even if you do have a bad starter.

The truck just clicking when warm could be a bad starter, solenoid or a weak battery or connection. After a bit of time the starter and solenoid will cool down and the battery will recover charge so it could be any of these parts. The zinging could be a bad flywheel or starter of just a weak charge not pushing the starter gear fully into place.

Good Luck,

Jim Henderson

Apr 24, 2001 | 01:38 PM

cgl

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From: NorCal

Ranger starting problem

Yup. The starter will be located very close to the exhaust manifold, which heats the starter as you drive. A hot starter draws more amperage than a cool starter. Hence requiring more power to start. So it could be a battery, a corroded connection, the starter itself, or a combination of them. In my case, it was the starter.

Apr 24, 2001 | 09:19 PM

jeff21876

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Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 39

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From: Michigan

Ranger starting problem

Hey guys, thanks for the excellent advice... The first thing I did was check to make sure all connections were clean, and they were all good. I went and got a re-man starter today, definately cheaper than I would have thought at $90.00 with a 2 year warranty. I put it in tonight, and it starts really good now. I'm pretty sure the problem is all fixed, but I will keep an eye on it.

Thanks again,
Jeff