Starter Issue 1993 XLT SC 4.0 Auto

[Angry Possum]

1993 Ranger 4.0 XLT Auto

Prior to having this starter issue dilemma I sprayed a little WD40 on the battery terminals, just after waxing the ranger yesterday, and cleaned the rims. This is very odd. I highly doubt this was the issue.

My starter was replaced last year or maybe even less than a year ago. When I attempt to start it the starter has a clunk/thump sound. I cleaned the battery posts, also the battery load while attempting to start it and it's fine, it doesn't go past 12.2 volts when attempting to start. The voltage is 12.8 volts when not under load, so the battery seems fine.

I'd like to jump the solenoid out but it won't jump out using a screwdriver along both terminals. How do I go about checking the solenoid first before I do anything else as this is my priority currently. Can I use a multimeter, if so how do I check it.

Also if the ground is bad to the starter, is there a way I can ground it without going underneath directly to the starter.

Is there anything I can troubleshoot also to see if the starter is defective. I'll attempt to tap the starter with a hammer while my girlfriend trys to start it later when she gets home from work. It boggles my mind why all of a sudden the starter crapped out.

Thanks

 

[RobbieD]

Also if the ground is bad to the starter, is there a way I can ground it without going underneath directly to the starter.

Use a single jumper cable, one end clamped on battery Negative, the other end clamped to the engine block. And check that the starter mounting bolts are still tight.

 

[Curious Hound]

I'd like to jump the solenoid out but it won't jump out using a screwdriver along both terminals. How do I go about checking the solenoid first before I do anything else as this is my priority currently. Can I use a multimeter, if so how do I check it.

Are you talking about the solenoid, which is mounted on the starter motor? Or the starter relay, which is usually mounted on the inner fender, up near the top of the engine bay?

 

[Angry Possum]

Are you talking about the solenoid, which is mounted on the starter motor? Or the starter relay, which is usually mounted on the inner fender, up near the top of the engine bay?

The solenoid which is on the inner fender.

 

[Angry Possum]

Use a single jumper cable, one end clamped on battery Negative, the other end clamped to the engine block. And check that the starter mounting bolts are still tight.

Thanks, I'll try that next, if she starts do I have a bad ground on the starter?

 

[Angry Possum]

Could the battery be bad if I'm getting decent voltage when attempting to start it. It only drops down to 12.2 volts. I did have the engine off and radio on when I was waxing the truck, but every 10 minutes I would start it. And it had no issues starting.

 

[RobbieD]

If it consistently starts with a temporary jumper cable ground, and not without it, that would indicate that the battery Negative cable has failed.

The 12.2 volts part is good, but amps is what the starter motor needs. Poor or failed "conductors", i.e. a bad cable, is what robs you of amps.