Ranger won't start in cold

[Itsheppard]

I have a 96 Ford ranger 3.0 and she won't start in weather below 45.F.all she does is make a clicking sound on the passenger side the engine won't even crank. I think it might be the computer freaking out. But I'm not sure.if anyone else have had this problem or know what's going on please let me know

 

[Roert42]

If the weather warms up does the truck start?

It sounds like your battery is getting old.

 

[Itsheppard]

yes if the weather warms up it does start or I could put a heater inside the cab and she'll warm up in about 20 minutes and then she'll crank.and she's got a brand new battery in it.

 

[Roert42]

Weird.

What if you try bringing the battery inside for fifteen minutes?

 

[Itsheppard]

Weird.

What if you try bringing the battery inside for fifteen minutes?

I tried that for 20 minutes and that didn't work I actually left her unplugged for a full 24 hours and that still didn't work.

 

[Roert42]

I would try and measure the voltage getting to the starter relay, and then at the starter while cold. to see if there is voltage drop somewhere.

It sounds like the starter is not getting enough power to turn the motor over.

Usually if the problem is a weak starter you will see symptoms when the engine is hot.

 

[Itsheppard]

I would try and measure the voltage getting to the starter relay, and then at the starter while cold. to see if there is voltage drop somewhere.

It sounds like the starter is not getting enough power to turn the motor over.

Usually if the problem is a weak starter you will see symptoms when the engine is hot.

All right I'll give that a try tomorrow cuz it's supposed to freeze tomorrow

 

[RonD]

Car/truck batteries last 5 to 6 years, then they run out of chemicals to hold voltage, the internal plates also deteriorate
You test battery voltage after its been sitting for 4 hours at least, longer is better

New battery will have 12.8volts to 13.0volts
3 year old battery will have 12.5v
5/6 year old battery will have 12.3v, and time to shop for battery sales
12.2v or less is a done battery, replace now

As the outside temperature drops below 45degF the batteries AMPs/Volts also drop with it
So not at all unusual for an older battery to work fine when warm then not work when cold

Test your battery voltage on the next cold morning

Just FYI, the computer has nothing to do with starter motor working in a 1996 Ranger
In 1999 V6 Rangers got PATS, which can prevent starter motor from working, but you would see a flashing THEFT light on dash