Hello all,


I have a 6 cylinder 2000 Ford Ranger with starting problems. I cleaned and tightened the battery terminals/cables.


The Ranger will start normally most of the time, but every 4th or 5th time it won't start. I leave it sit for 3-4 hours then it will start.


The cabin lights, etc. all work. When it doesn't start I get just a single click. I'm guessing it's the starter or solenoid, or some relay or other electrical gizmo?

I just want to narrow it down before I start taking things apart. I'm guessing it's the solenoid? Do I need a new one or maybe just clean the solenoid terminals?


Thanks in advance!

 

Check the ground wire onto the block first _ the actual connection on the solenoid too.
On mine, even though my battery terminals were clean, the factory brass lugs where the cables were crimped onto were corroded.
The last guy who had it allowed battery acid to penetrate this area causing too much resistance.
There are lots of posts about this problem, more often then not it's a bad ground and/or dirty corroded connections.

And yes, clean the solenoid terminals.

 

when it happens try jumping the solenoid to see if it will turn over. mine did this when i first got my truck. the solenoid is cheap to replace

and yes check your connections on the solenoid as well