Help - trouble starting: bad alternator??

[aweiss2k]

Recently I've had a curious problem with my '97 Ranger: if I start the truck after it's been sitting for a while (> 30 min) it will start like a champ, but if I try and start it after having driven for a while, it takes like 4-5 tries for the engine to turn over. The solenoid clicks and the starter motor sounds just fine (no grinding or bad smells or anything).

I've also noticed that at low RPM's (~1500), the voltage needle will wobble noticeably, which I have never seen before. However, I tested the battery and it is rock solid. Is this a starter issue, an alternator issue? Advice appreciated.

Thanks,
Aaron

 

[BlackBII]

My first suggestion would be to clean the battery terminals and all the connections from your solenoid down to your starter with a wire brush, if your battery is good.

 

[aweiss2k]

thanks for the suggestion. I replaced the battery terminal connectors and cleaned the ground wire as well. It seems to have helped a bit, but it still has trouble starting if I don't wait a while. I will clean the starter/solenoid area tomorrow or the next day and see if that helps.

Regards,
Aaron