Won't start after oil change

[Rippin' Ranger]

I have a strange issue I am hoping someone else has maybe run into or can help with. I did an oil change on my 2001 3.0 Ranger yesterday. I was having a heck of a time getting the filter off and so I removed the starter motor to give me a little more room. Unfortunately I forgot to remove the battery cable and sparks flew, shorted it out. I took it to Autozone and they tested it, said it was dead, I got a replacement. Installed that, it still won't start. The dash lights come on, I can hear the fuel pump running, but when I turn the key I get a click and that's it - does not turn over. I checked the ignition fuse in the cab, the one in the engine bay fuse box, swapped the relay with the blower motor all to no avail. I tested the new starter motor by connecting it directly to the battery, it works. I re-did the wiring connection for the solenoid wire as it was a little rickety. Still no good. I also considered perhaps the anti-theft had been triggered but the anti-theft light does not indicate that is the case. I tried both the disconnecting the battery for 15 min trick and the leave key in on position for 10 min trick. No good there either. Any body else have any ideas?

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Sounds like you have a bad connection on either the battery +ve or -ve. Check connections at battery and solenoid/relay and starter. Check battery ground at motor if it doesnt go to starter.

 

[gaz]

@Rippin' Ranger
Are you saying that that battery was checked dead or the starter?