starting prob...Need help fast

[kb1794]

This morning I went to start my ranger and it just goes clickclickclick....So I tried jumping it and that didn't work also. I'm thinking now maybe the starter? There is also a big black ground looking wire just hanging there in the harness with the other starter wires. Does anyone know where this wire goes?? Maybe that is the problem.....


Thanks

 

[RobbieD]

Maybe it is. Can you get pics or be more specific? Your battery ground cable should go from the negative post to the engine, body and frame. There's several exact arrangements depending on year, motor, etc. If it's a case where you've lost your main ground wire to the engine, try clamping one jumper cable between the battery negative post and a safe place on the engine block. If it cranks with the jumper but not without it you've got a bad ground cable.

 

[MAKG]

Another way is to measure the voltage drop between engine block (or starter body) and the battery post while cranking. It really should be tiny. Even if the cable LOOKS good, a significant voltage drop condemns it.

FYI, I've seen reports of "clicking" like this from a loose starter.

 

[Ozwynn]

loose or bad......... do the headlights come on full bright? if they don't then I would to the ground and possibly the battery... alot of time a battery that is no good won't jump start either.

 

[Jeepman401]

Another way is to measure the voltage drop between engine block (or starter body) and the battery post while cranking. It really should be tiny. Even if the cable LOOKS good, a significant voltage drop condemns it.

Your voltage drop should be .5 volts or less over the entire positive or the entire negative side of the starting system. .3 or less is better