Strange Electrical Problem

[hryanbowler]

I have a 2001 Ford Ranger 4.0L. It has recently started a strange electrical problem. It does not want to start or crank when there is an electrical charge. It will start great when left sitting for over 30 mins, but if I did a quick run somewhere it will not even crank until the electrical charge dissipates.

When turning the key, no sounds but a whirring when in ACC, stops when turning key to start.

 

[Curious Hound]

Is the CEL on?

There should be no “electrical charge” dissipating. With a good battery, you should have 12.6volts available all the time.

The whirring sound you hear my be the fuel pump. Every time you turn the key on. It runs the fuel pump for about 2 seconds to make sure the fuel pressure is adequate for starting the engine.

 

[hryanbowler]

Yes the CEL is on. I have to let it sit for 30 mins for it to start. Any sooner no crank.

 

[RonD]

Do the dash lights all come on with key on?

And do they go off or get DIM when you turn key to START?

Could just be dirty battery cables, clean them, its free

 

[hryanbowler]

All dash lights come on and don't get dim. Cables are all cleaned and new terminal connectors.

 

[Dirtman]

Not cranking when the engine is hot could also be a sign of a failing solenoid.

 

[hryanbowler]

How cold does it need to be? It was cold today and did it still. When i tried to start it before the 30 mins it wouldn't. Once 30 mins passed with no turning the key it worked.

 

[Josh B]

Did you also clean the ground end of your ground cable? If it hasn't changed it goes to a starter bolt, pull it off of there and wire brush it well, both sides of the cable connector and the top of the bolt. THEN pull the bolt and brush it well on both connector surfaces there