Hey folks, newbie here.

Our 2003 Ranger 4.0L won't crank, it just clicks. I had the starter/solenoid tested and it works fine. Checked the wiring and connections and they seem fine. I've also replaced the battery but I'm still just getting the click.

I ordered some other small items and just got them installed a few minutes ago. These items included the 50A maxifuse and the Starter relay in the PD Box in the engine compartment. There is still one relay on the firewall I am waiting for to be delivered but other than that I have no idea why this thing won't crank. I assume it's an electrical issue and that's when I get out of my element. I can only hope it's the other relay that's the problem.

Yes I did try hitting the starter while someone else tried cranking it and that accomplished nothing as well. I am at a loss and I really don't want to put it in a shop so any help or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

If you have a way of testing voltage test the power wire on the starter to see if its getting 12 volts. if not the problem is somewhere between there and the battery just follow it back.

 

charge your battery.

 

Did this littlered and I'm getting 12.3v at the starter. It even shows voltage drop when you try to crank it. With that we removed the starter but left the hot and ground connected and tried cranking it to see if the starter would do anything. Nothing. So I went and dumped $130 for a "new" reman starter, got it installed and again...NOTHING. I am losing my patience with this thing.
The new relay came in today and got it in and nothing.

So let's recap, I've got a new battery...no need to charge it, got a new starter, got two new relays and a new 50A maxifuse in the PD box. I'm getting 12.3 volts at the connection on the starter/solenoid which drops down to 11 or so volts when attempting to crank it.

My question is...now what? Could the ignition switch be the problem? I don't know enough about it all but maybe the ignition switch sends a signal to the solenoid? I'm out of ideas.

 

if the relay clicks, its not the ignition.

so the relay clicks, and the voltage drops. disconnect the starter and try it. does the voltage drop?

if yes, its bleeding the power to ground somehow. if it doesnt change the voltage when disconnected, you have a bad reman starter.

OR

also try to start it in each gear on the selector. it wouldnt be the first time that a neutral safety switch stopped something from starting.

 

Just a follow up on our issue. I went and picked up a $20 ignition switch, got it installed and the truck cranked right up.

Glad that's over