Starting Issue

[mgarrett59]

I have a 2000 Ranger, 4-CYL that will not start. I had problems about 6 weeks ago and replaced the battery and cable connectors. The alternator tested good and the engine has been fine up until yesterday when I tried to start it after a week of non use. I have recharged the battery, and all the accessories are working but I am getting a single click when I try to start it. I don not know if it is associated, but the 3rd brake light seal has been leaking; is it possible that I have a short somewhere? I cannot afford to get it to a shop as I am one of the many unemployed due to the economy. All help will be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Mark_88]

The brake light seal is irrelevant here...since the lights are generally on a different circuit from the starter...

It sounds like a loose ground wire to the starter...and I've had the exact same problem as have many others on here...check the wires carefully going to the starter and back to both terminals on the battery...chances are one of them is loose on the actual starter motor itself...

 

[BlackBII]

If you jump the solenoid with a screwdriver, do the starter crank? If so, the solenoid could be bad. If it does not crank, I'd look into the cable connection at the starter, remove and clean etc.

 

[mgarrett59]

Thank you

Thank you for the quick replies. I will give it a try.

 

[Bryan22]

smack the starter with a hammer and try again if you've replaced the cables and battery i'd say the starter is locked up.

 

[23L88]

yup

smack the starter with a hammer and try again if you've replaced the cables and battery i'd say the starter is locked up.

ditto that, back when my ranger ran mine did the exact same thing, so i wacked it and the starter worked again