Starter Troubles.

[Stephen_sofka]

Hello all, I used to frequent these types of forums all the time... I should more.
To get to the point, I'm at my whit's end. I am having troubles diagnosing a problem with my starter. I have recently replaced the ignition switch and steering column wiring. But that is unrelated to the problem I'm having, Or i think it should be unrelated. When I turn the key, in an attempt to start it, all I hear is the starter solenoid clicking rapidly, I have replaced the starter and solenoid to try and alleviate this issue to no avail. Battery is fine and nothing happens when I bridge the leads on the solenoid. The wire that runs to the starter is new as well. (had the whole starter assembly rewired last year.
I am hoping its not an electrical gremlin lost in the wiring.
I have looked everywhere I can think to look and have tried everything my dad once showed me, which is about all I know. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your time.

1988 Ford Ranger 2.9L V6 2WD.

 

[mikkelstuff]

Tell us how you "bridge the leads on the solenoid" and nothing happens.

Also "battery is fine." Have you had that battery load checked. Most auto parts stores will do that for free. Usually a clicking solenoid means bad battery. Batteries can show good voltage but have a bad cell that fails under load.

 

[Stephen_sofka]

Tell us how you "bridge the leads on the solenoid" and nothing happens.

Also "battery is fine." Have you had that battery load checked. Most auto parts stores will do that for free. Usually a clicking solenoid means bad battery. Batteries can show good voltage but have a bad cell that fails under load.

I bridged the terminals(bolts) that lead from the battery to the starter, both without and with the key turned. And yes, that was one on the things I have attempted. The nice people at AutoZone told me the "the battery is perfectly within spec".

 

[Uncle Gump]

Typically when the solenoid rattles its from a low voltage condition.

If battery truly tests good... I would be doing a few voltage drop test on the battery cables.

Google voltage drop testing. Review the test procedure and tale that knowledge to the truck and do some testing.

 

[Stephen_sofka]

Typically when the solenoid rattles its from a low voltage condition.

If battery truly tests good... I would be doing a few voltage drop test on the battery cables.

Google voltage drop testing. Review the test procedure and tale that knowledge to the truck and do some testing.

I will do that and get back to you, thank you.

 

[Josh B]

I like to tear them down and check them out, test them like that.
It isn't rocket science by any means, but with a battery cable and a flat spot you could pretty much do anything you want to do for one.
My last problem with one was 10 or 12 years ago, and put me in a terrible state. Broke down in the woods with an only hope of some delivery truck which had best be glad he didn't show up while I was looking. In fact they never did show up, I finally got there to get it and guess what? They marked it as "Delivered!"

It's really not difficult to clean up the old ones and put one in good order, in fact, I have a good one in my truck box now put together those many long years ago, just waiting for the next time

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Its more then likely the cable that runs from the battery to the solenoid. Last time i replaced one i think it was like 12 bucks. Ir just change it.

Check the negative side terminal/wire too.

 

[Curious Hound]

Check ground connections.