starting issues

[Cooter199]

i have an 86 ford ranger 4x4 2.9l long bed dual tanks. i will try to start it in the morning and it just clicks but i can jump start it and for the rest of the day it will start perfectly fine i am complety lost. and ideas. thanks

 

[Big Jim M]

Most times that indicates a weak battery from something taking electricity during the night. I have seen aftermarket radios do this. Also I have seen glove compartment lights not turning off.. Check it out.
It's possible dirty battery connections could do this also.
Big JIm

 

[chrwilkins30]

Mine did that. Got alt check good. But it was the battery overcharging the alt. Which ended up blowing both. Id bets it the battery like jim said.

 

[Cooter199]

i got a multimeter and was wondering how i can test my starter solenoid. and was wondering if i can test my battery cables as well?

 

[Big Jim M]

Nope!

i got a multimeter and was wondering how i can test my starter solenoid. and was wondering if i can test my battery cables as well?

A multimeter will NOT test the amps that MUST be transferred by the solenoid.
If you are in doubt about a solenoid just getcha a new one.. they are real cheap.
Big JIm

 

[Cooter199]

could it be my battery cables goin bad?

 

[Cooter199]

ok tomorrow i am having my battery and alternator tested if they are good then im going to get new battery cables and a starter solenoid. if that doesnt work then probably move up to the starter. theres not a whole lot more it could be right?

 

[Cooter199]

it was my battery cables and my alternater. cabes had oil all over the inside of them and were coroded at the top and my alternaters brushes were horribly bad so i got a rebuild kit now it runs perfectly fine. thanks for all the help