'93 4.0 Auto Starting Issue

[93rangerstx4x4]

I was having starting issues when it started to get colder here in Michigan. I tested the alternator and that was fine. I was bummed because it appeared as if my Optima battery was beginning to die. I replaced the battery and everything was fine until last week when it wouldn't start. I just hear a big click from the drivers side quarter panel when I turn the key. My friend said to just trace the ground wire to the engine block and pull it off and clean it and I think it's probably the starter. Any thoughts/suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Earl43P]

First, tap the starter with a large screwdriver handle or something similar (not a hammer). When the brushes get worn, a good tap will make it work again (still needs replaced or new brushes).

If the tap does nothing, manhandle the large wire that goes to the starter. It is directly connected to the Bat+ terminal so be mindful of that. Those cables often corrode inside the insulation (it may look bubbled up) and typically fail when it gets cold out.

If I recall correctly, the 93 4.0 has that setup. If the big click you hear is really coming from the starter itself (have someone else turn the key while you listen underneath) along with the fender solenoid clicking, it's definitely the big cable to the starter gone bad.

 

[93rangerstx4x4]

I tried tapping on the starter with no success. The clicking is definitely coming from the starter itself. I bridged the solenoid on the fender with a screw driver and it just makes the starter do the same click. I'm thinking I'm putting a new starter in it.

 

[RonD]

Yup, starter motor is done.

Clean the cables, ground and + on the starter first, but motor itself is probably bad.

 

[monsterchuck]

I'm with RonD, starter's toast.

 

[Earl43P]

If you replace the starter, at least take the old one to the parts store and have them test it first.

It could still be the large power cable given your symptoms.

What happens is this:

Fender solenoid and Bendix drive solenoid work from the starter's small gage wire (both are working per your description) when you turn the key to crank.

Once the Bendix drive is engaged, it actuates a switch (part of the starter) that routes battery power from the large cable directly to the starter brushes/windings making the starter motor run.

Yes, it could absolutely be a bad starter BUT it could just as easily be a bad cable TO the starter, which is considerably cheaper to replace.

 

[93rangerstx4x4]

I finally got the starter replaced. The upper mounting bolt was very stubborn but after lubing/heating it several times, I was able to get it out. There's definitely not a lot of room to work with down there! I also noticed that my water pump is starting to weep while I was under the vehicle. Next project, water pump!