Starting issue

[angapt112]

So I had someone change my rear leaf spring shackles yesterday and then he was having trouble starting it. He got it push started when I picked it up. He told me to change the starter solenoid. I changed it this morning and then my 96 ranger started right up. I drove around all morning and parked it in the garage. I just went out to run some errands and it won't start again. When I turn the key I get one loud click that sounds like it's coming from the solenoid.

Any suggestions?

[fyre82]

Start with the simple stuff - battery terminals, battery condition, battery wires, starter connection, grounds.

[angapt112]

So after I cleaned all the terminals and checked all the cables, nothing. My brother in law comes over and taps the starter 3 times with a hammer and vroom, started right up. Should I get a new starter?

[shane96ranger]

That's probably a smart idea. It's a good sign it's probably ready to take a hud on you.

[adsm08]

Yeah, tapping a starter to make it work means that the bearings are wearing out, letting the armature get cocked and jammed.

Hitting it jars it and makes it start moving again. Time for a new starter.