truck won't start

[kanibuz]

i have a 92 2.3 stick shift ranger. it's a future project but i need to use it from time to time. i went to take some stuff out and the car doesn't start. it has gas, it leaks oil but i put a quart every time it needs one. When i try to start it, it makes a clicking noise like it's about to start but doesn't. the radio goes on and the lights work fine. any suggestions. BTW the truck has over 250,000 miles. thought i'd throw that in.

 

[RobbieD]

Take both battery cable ends off, clean them and the battery posts real good, put it back together and try starting her.

 

[Dave R]

Also, try turning on the dome light when you try to start it. If it dims considerably either your battery is duff or the cables/connections, as RobbieD said, need some attention.

 

[Plum Ranger XLT]

If none of the above work, another possibility is your starter relay. My brother had a 1990 Escort that would't start but made a "clicking" sound when attempted to start and it turned out to be the starter relay.

 

[Ranger44]

Could also just be the starter... my did that (would just click) and it ended up being the starter. But, I'd check all the easy and less expnsive things first before you jump and buy a new starter. Just my experience.

 

[kanibuz]

thanks guys i'll try that out. and keep you updated

 

[rponycar]

Let me revisit this thread, My 97 2.3 has plenty of battery, It and the alternator checked out good on the tester. It runs good when I roll it off. (I haven't tried to jump start it yet). I get no clicking when I turn the key. The dash lights up, strong head lights. Bad solenoid? starter?
Your thoughts gentlemen...
r

 

[snake]

Any of the above. Could even be the keyswitch. If the starter is easy to remove, just pull it and try to make it spin with jumper cables (on the ground, out of the truck) If the starter spins, you'll know it is good and then start working back from the cables to the relay and up to the switch.

Afterthought: could be the clutch switch needs adjustment or is bad, try by-passing it with a jumper wire. Do this before removing the starter, as it is an easy quick test and a real possibility it could be at fault. Usually starters don't just completely quit without some kind of warning, so I'd be looking hard at the clutch switch... (or nuetral safety switch if it was automatic)