starting problem?

[crawlin91]

Just started happening recently. Occasionally when I start the truck all I get is a clicking noise(tick,tick,tick) no start. Sometimes nothing at all(no noise no start) and the console lights are dimmer than usual. Then I will turn the key back try to start it again and it fires right up. Its really random but is becoming more common. WHAT GIVES? I do know my battery looks real old and the cable connections were corroded(til I cleaned em up)
i believe my starter may be going bad???

its a 1991 2.9l if you have recommendations on parts. thanks!

 

[97ranger4x4]

Have you had your battery tested? You may want to replace the cables or at least the connectors if they are that coroded. If it fires right up certain times or nothing/very little, I dont know if that would be a starter issue. Ground issue maybe.

 

[crawlin91]

Have you had your battery tested? You may want to replace the cables or at least the connectors if they are that coroded. If it fires right up certain times or nothing/very little, I dont know if that would be a starter issue. Ground issue maybe.

I will stop by autozone and have the batt tested today. :and now for my retard question...Do the cables come in specific lengths/sizes or just get em and cut them to fit my application?
oh and I love the last two lines of your sig

 

[97ranger4x4]

I know factory cables are expensive. Like well over $100. I doubt the cables themselves went bad. It might not hurt to cut the last 1/2 in off on the battery side and reinstall new terminal connectors. Usually the cables have enough slack to do this. I have the orginal ones on my truck and have done this. But get the battery tested. Also if you have some tools in your truck they may be able to test your alternator and starter for free. But I think you have to pull them outta the truck which might be a PITA in a parking lot.

Hope this helps ya out!

 

[martin]

It's very common to have issues with the ground connector on the block. It might look good but take it off and clean it.

 

[danger88ranger]

I had this problem with my 2.9 too. Due to sitting for a good 2 years the starter like everything else had some corrosion and would do the same click click click and wouldn't start. Unbolt the starter from the bellhousing and unbolt the cable also. Now take off the top cover on top the starter. Remove the long studs carefully and pull the starter apart just enough to clean the seams of the starter with a wire brush. Once your done with that clean up your cable connection, tighten up the studs and put the thing back on to wrap up your "pocket knife rebuild". Hope this helps

 

[crawlin91]

I had this problem with my 2.9 too. Due to sitting for a good 2 years the starter like everything else had some corrosion and would do the same click click click and wouldn't start. Unbolt the starter from the bellhousing and unbolt the cable also. Now take off the top cover on top the starter. Remove the long studs carefully and pull the starter apart just enough to clean the seams of the starter with a wire brush. Once your done with that clean up your cable connection, tighten up the studs and put the thing back on to wrap up your "pocket knife rebuild". Hope this helps

Thanks fellas I will check all of that stuff out. Also went to Checker, he said he wouldnt get a accurate reading on the battery if it was corroded so Im going to clean the posts install new connectors and also got everything I need for a tune up.

 

[motohead771]

before you take your stater off do the small stuff first. check battery etc everthing listed above. My truck did that and it was the starter relay breaker in the fuse box under the hood. Might not be the same because my truck is a 4.0 EFI, not to knowledgeable about the 2.9. Might help you might not. Good luck.

 

[IDontCare]

clean the cables going to the starter solenoid and tighten them. bet its the battery going dead.. i bet you 5 imaginary bucks!! i bought a Gold-Duralast battery with 875 cold cranking Amps (1000 cranking Amps) 3 year free replacement from autozone. take in your old one to get the core charge.

 

[crawlin91]

all i did was spray some battery cleaner (foam)on the posts, rinsed it off with water and wiped clean. Havent had any problems since.

I did get new connections, and will just end up cutting the ends of the cable and clean those up. I also got everything I need for a tune up.

I looked in the manual, and everything you guys have told me was there...imagine that.lol

 

[Mark_88]

Good catch~! I clean my battery posts at least twice a year...more often if the posts are loose because that's when the crud starts accumulating...might want to put some vaseline or simlar product on the posts to help keep them clean and to prevent moisture from getting on the posts...