1986 Ford Ranger problem

[Shannon]

I have been having a problem with my truck the past week, or so.

About a week ago, I was on my way to work, and got in my truck, and the battery seemed dead. It acted like it was going to start but didn't.

My husband went out there and turned it over, then pumped on the gas, and it reluctantly started.

It is fine when it is running. Just lately its been a coin toss of whether or not it will start.

The battery has been check and is fine. It just sounds like it does when a battery is dying.

What could it be?

ETA: It's an 86 Ford Ranger 4x4 Supercab 2.9L V6

I was a member here a while back and forgot all my info, so I made this up.

Thanks.

 

[2manyfords]

Faulty starter, faulty wiring to the starter or even the battery cable ends.
I'd start with checking how much amperage the starter is drawing.

 

[Shannon]

So, do I take the starter into an auto parts store and have them check it? Is that difficult to take off?

 

[Shannon]

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

The radio has ALWAYS had electrical problems. I have this truck 3 years and for the most part the radio doesn't work.

BUT.....when the battery is tampered with, it works temporarily.

My husband knows NOTHING about vehicles, and he tampers with the battery to get the radio to work, which burns my ass!

I'd rather have a ride then a radio!

2 days before I started having problems, he did this! I took out the fuse for the radio, and still am having problems.

If this is electrical. What do I do?

 

[Anger]

That sounds like a cable issue (imo). Replace both cables, not just the ends.
Replacing the ends is a cheap boogered fix.

*IMPORTANT NOTE*

The radio has ALWAYS had electrical problems. I have this truck 3 years and for the most part the radio doesn't work.

BUT.....when the battery is tampered with, it works temporarily.

My husband knows NOTHING about vehicles, and he tampers with the battery to get the radio to work, which burns my ass!

I'd rather have a ride then a radio!

2 days before I started having problems, he did this! I took out the fuse for the radio, and still am having problems.

If this is electrical. What do I do?

 

[chico4554]

does it just click with you turn the key? a loud single click. I had this happen to me and it ended up being the starter. I tried about 3 different relays, was going to do the batter cables but did the started first. Its been fine ever since.

 

[Shannon]

does it just click with you turn the key? a loud single click. I had this happen to me and it ended up being the starter. I tried about 3 different relays, was going to do the batter cables but did the started first. Its been fine ever since.

No. No clicking sound. Either that, or I am just not hearing it.

 

[97RangerXLT]

from what you have posted, I will also chime in and say battery cables. Replace them, it shouldn't be too hard to do.

While you are at it, make sure the ground is good on it. the negative cable should go from the battery to the frame of the truck. there should also be a cable from the engine block to the frame. make sure both of these are in good condition and connected to solid steel and not a rusted out area. if the area of the frame or body where the negative cable is connected to is rusted out, move it to a solid part of the frame.

AJ