1994 Ford Ranger XLT 2.3L man. trans.

[danielwd]

Two months ago my Ranger didn't start. I jumped it, went and had the battery checked and it failed. I bought a new one. No big deal.

Wrong. A few weeks later, upon cranking my truck, it wouldn't turn over and just went dead - like the battery went dead. I waited a few minutes...cranked it and it started right up. This occurred about 2 or 3 times since I got my new battery. Also every time it happened, the clock reset and my memorized radio stations reset.

Then yesterday, I went out to start it and NOTHING. Absolutely nothing. I jumped it and it cranked and started just fine. Then I turned it off...cranked it...and nothing. I jumped it and it started just fine. Now, it only starts on jump, and lights are dim and dinging noise from door being opened is faint. Any time I turn it off - it is dead (no lights, radio etc...NOTHING).

I took off the alternator and battery and took it to Autozone and they both passed their tests...battery was 100% and alternator just fine.

So now I am lost. I guess I will strip my starter and have it tested. My battery cables were replaced a couple of years ago and look fine to me. I see nothing out of the ordinary.

My guess is either the starter is about dead and requiring too many amps or the ignition switch is messed up? I also bought an ignition cylinder lock today because mine was messed up where the key wouldn't line up right and there was some play there (I have a heavy set of keys and I bet that's what caused that issue over the years).

Any further advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[adsm08]

Sounds weak connection somewhere. Pull and jiggle the battery cables, clean your ends, and see how she does.

 

[Captain Ledd]

A connector on the relay on the fender was rotten on mine, caused a real intermittent start issue, but started fine when I jumped it.

Broke off right at the base, couldn't tell until I pulled it off to change the relay.

 

[danielwd]

Sounds weak connection somewhere. Pull and jiggle the battery cables, clean your ends, and see how she does.

Thanks for your reply. I replaced the battery cables a couple of years ago and have religiously kept them clean. They look brand new to me.

Thanks again for your reply.

 

[danielwd]

Thank you for your prompt replies. I have stripped battery, starter, alternator, and starter relay off truck. I am going to take them to Autozone and have each tested. If they all pass...I will purchase brand new ones and install. If truck still has same symptoms with brand new parts, I will strip them back off and return to Autozone.

The only thing left I can think of is the ignition switch, which I may strip off too and replace with a new one.

I guess I will return all...and truck will go to junk yard with tears in my eyes (I am the original owner and have done lots of work [with the help of this forum and others] to keep it running]).

I will report back soon! Thanks again.