Starter problem?

[oldjohnny]

I have what seems to be a starter problem with my 2.3 95 Manual Trans Ranger. Sometimes (now it's most of the times) It won't start and all I hear is one loud click coming from the drivers fender every time I turn the key. I looked at most of the wiring and it all looks good. I took the starter to Autozone and I was told it was good. Can anyone point me in the correct direction? The truck can still be turned on with a push start, and the battery is somewhat new.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You have a bad connection somewhere in the starting circuit. Start at the battery, remove, clean and replace every connection including grounds. If the terminal ends are not factory, take them apart too.
Good luck,
Richard

 

[Sunk]

Check the battery terminals. I had a similar issue and it was fixed with a scraping of the terminals. A wire brush type terminal cleaner is very handy, and probably only about $1. Also check any solenoids.

 

[oldjohnny]

Thanks for the info, its about to get dark here and I don't think I will be able to inspect every wire as of right now.

Also, the truck turned on right now, but it turned a bit slugish, which it never did. After turning it off for 5 minutes, I got the loud click from the fender again. I've tried starting by joining the two posts at the fender relay and I still get a click.

Every wire seems to be good. I bought a digital multimeter and have no idea how to use it. Just in case I figure it out, what wires should I look for and what readings should I expect?

 

[Bryan22]

sounds like a bad connection at the battery. start by cleaning the terminals and cable ends like sunk suggested.Also check the connections at the starter. Then have the battery tested(because of the sluggish start).

i don't think you'll need the multimeter just yet.