08 ranger sluggish start

[westcoastranger]

Hi everyone -my 08 automatic ranger had sluggish starts yesterday and today it is worse. I turn the key and it is not the quick start as normal. Battery was replace a couple months ago and no other issues. I am worried it will not start tomorrow and wondering if it is the starter if there is a way to get a couple more starts out of it before taking it in. does pumping the gas help at all before turning the key? thanks

 

[Rangurr]

Is is struggling to crank the engine or is it just cranking for long periods of time before it starts??

 

[westcoastranger]

it is struggling to crank.

 

[Rangurr]

If it were me I'd go get the battery tested at an auto parts store. With it having been replaced a few months ago, however, I would possibly look at the alternator. I know that on my old Fiero, my starts were getting weaker and weaker each time I went anywhere (Lasted around a week) even though my battery was brand new. Found out it was a bad alternator and she ran just fine after that. Definitely start with the battery though. Also, I don't believe that pumping the gas prior to turning the key will do anything for you.

 

[westcoastranger]

if it is the alternator and I get stuck somewhere tomorrow would a jump start get it going again? I have the truck going in for servicing tomorrow afternoon . thanks for your advice btw

 

[Rangurr]

Yes, if that does turn out to be the problem, a jump start should be able to get you going again. A booster pack may not be a bad idea if you've got one.

 

[westcoastranger]

ok thanks for your help. much appreciated.

 

[Rangurr]

Any time. Let us know how it turns out!

 

[westcoastranger]

end result is I needed a new starter. 400 bucks including testing, labour and a big pile of our wonderful canadian taxes and my Ford is back on the road purring like a kitten again. Thanks for your help, I love these forums for help, cheers

 

[kryptonitecb]

if it is the alternator and I get stuck somewhere tomorrow would a jump start get it going again? I have the truck going in for servicing tomorrow afternoon . thanks for your advice btw

Yes, if that does turn out to be the problem, a jump start should be able to get you going again. A booster pack may not be a bad idea if you've got one.

I just saw this thread.

For future reference if your alternator is not working AND your battery is dead you will not be going anywhere. When the alternator gives out the vehicle will run on battery power till that gets to low.

Also sorry for not seeing this sooner but if your battery has a full charge and the starter doesn't kick on full speed then its the starter.


Sent from the road while ignoring traffic

 

[Andy D]

Yah and a chintzy 5$ volt/ohm meter would tell you what was what in short order. My tools are mostly hammers and pipe wrenches, but they are no help to fix an electrical trouble. I work on my own stuff. 400$ is a good fixer upper not a new starter. Holy Cow!

PS The cheap skate in me doubts that a Ford starter would die after only 5 yrs. I would have checked cables and connections before the starter. I dont remember R+Ring the starter as being too hard of a job. I had to fix some cable ends, Then I would have looked for a shop to over haul the starter. They are out there.