I have a 1996 2.3 Ranger and It had been starting w no issues. I drove it across town and shut it off and a few minutes later I turned the key over and I hear this loud rapid clicking noise and it won't turn over.Headlights are bright ,but all it does is make that loud clicking noise when I turn the key...can any one please give me some advice?
Thanks in Advance...

 

Clean BOTH battery cables at BOTH ends, Ground to engine especially.

If that doesn't fix it then starter motor needs to be replaced or at least pulled out and tested

Yes, one day it just quits, no warning usually

 

That happened on my old '96. It was the battery cables. I ended up having to replace both cables. Easy fix though.