No start when cold outside...

[777_ranger]

2004 ranger FX4, auto trans.
In the morning when the outside temps is lower than 55 degrees my truck will not crank. All summer long it fires right up everytime, winter comes and no crank until it warms up a bit outside. When I turn the key I hear a single click, from pass kick panel but nothing else. Checked battery and starter and they pass, but I checked them when it was running during the summer. Checked during winter once it starter and passed again. Cant check at home when not cranking since I dont have the tools. What could be the problem? No crank, just one click until sun comes out to warm it up??? Also I live in vegas so its not that cold outside. Thanks for any help provided.

 

[PanamaExpat]

So what's the problem? You just have the reptilian desert dwelling version. Don't like reptiles? Anyhow next time it is cold make sure it is in park or neutral turn the key to the on position and then bridge the solenoid terminals if it cranks then shut it off and remove the small wire on the solenoid and bridge from the battery side to the small post on the solenoid. That will tell you if your solenoid is sticking or if the problem could be ignition switch or something wiring related between the two points. Let us know what you find out.

 

[97RangerXLT]

LOL at Panama...

My 97 did this, it was the starter. I found that if I got my wifes hair dryer and an extension cord and crawled under the truck and warmed the starter it would start right up every time.

But before you go lay big bucks down on a starter, do Panama's solenoid test, and see if that does the trick...

you might also be able to get a rebuild kit from Rockauto and rebuild your starter.

AJ

 

[777_ranger]

Sorry I didnt reply sooner, had a family emergency and havent had time to mess with the ranger. lucky for me my old bronco starts no matter what temp. (knock on wood) I am gonna replace the starter and see if cures my problem. Thanks for the quick response to both of you guys.

 

[777_ranger]

Problem Solved

The starter was not the problem after all. It was the starter relay the entire time. 17 bucks and done with that.