Starting problems

[warpig]

Hello,

I've been browsing this site for a few years now and have had great success in troubleshooting random problems with my Ranger. I own an 88 2.9l 4x4 Ranger and recently I've been having intermittent problems starting it. When I turn the key I hear a single click, after this it seems something is drawing a lot of power as my electrical systems either fail to work or do so very dimly. If I pull the key out and try starting it again nothing happens unless I unplug the battery and try again. A friend said the click sounded like it was coming from the starter, I pulled the started and had it tested. It tested fine and the shop even offered to take it apart at and evaluate its condition, which they said was in perfect order. At this point i'm thinking it could be the solenoid. I tried jumping the solenoid by touching the battery post to the starter post with a screw driver with the key on and the truck in neutral, some minor sparks and thats it. Turned key to start and the truck fired up (like I said intermittent problem). I guess I'm missing something with the solenoid jump so I'm not really sure. Money is tight so I'm trying to avoid buying unnecessary parts, any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Big Jim M]

Sounds like a bad battery, or dirty battery connections, or badly grounded starter, or dirty ground cables in general. Solenoids go away sort of like you indicate.
Could be the key switch but start with the heavy stuff first.
Big jIm