General problem...might be small

[blanka]

Hey all,

I''m pretty sure this is the right forum to post this; I actually included it in my intro as well, cuz I'm in somewhat of a bind. My 2001 Ranger has been sitting while I was away for a couple of months. I tried starting it up today and all I got was clicking and the 'check engine' light. I'm thinking it's the battery, but I'm wondering if it's not something worse.

Thanks in advance.

 

[lestercheetah]

jumpstart!

 

[86ford]

push it and dump the clutch in 2nd (assuming you are going forward.....)

86

 

[Viva*the*Ranger]

Take a VM to your battery. If you don't have one, go to any hardware store. It's a worthy investment anyway.

 

[1996 fordranger 4x4 stx]

battery

 

[LearjetMinako]

90%, its the battery. Jumpstart it or charge the battery.

Check engine light is normal when the engine is not running. Once you get it started, it will go out. Unless there is another problem that the PCM picked up.

 

['95 ranger]

oh hell that check engine light is a typical ford thing all of my grandpa's trucks have them on including mine (the light on mine has been on since my grandpa bought it off the lot in 95) most likely its the battery

 

[blanka]

Good stuff, will check that today or over the weekend (big storm coming). Thanks for the help guys.

Also, anyone experience a jammed-up cable that pops the hood?

 

[MAKG]

Yup. You can replace it cheaply. Help! makes replacements.

If you need to, you can unbolt the hood latch from the rad mount right through the grille. Not much fun, though.

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

On some Rangers it is possible to reach in through the grille and pop the hood... If you know what part to tug on that is. I've done it a ton of times with my Ranger. I have found though that if it's cold out, you'll want to wear a pair of thin mechanics gloves to do it though, I've split my finger open a couple times in the winter by not wearing gloves.