1987 Ranger 4x4 2.9L

Replaced the solenoid a few months back when battery was apparently loosing it's charge along with clicking from the solenoid.

About a month ago it failed to start, clicking, battery was fine.

Towed it and tried to pop the clutch and it still wouldn't start. Go a few miles down the road as I'm being towed and I turned the key again and it started right off. It's been fine ever since.

Yesterday, pulled into my friends yard and go to start it later on and click/click. Played with the cables (which probably need to be replaced) and still nothing. Tried it again a few hours later and nothing...


Go get my other truck to tow it home and try it one last time and it starts up like nothings wrong.


Truck doesn't get used much at all during the week, mainly my weekend beater/driver.



Any ideas? Imagine the battery cables are original. Don't look terrible, but not new either. Really don't know what else to look for and would rather not spend the money having someone else try to trouble shoot it.

Thanks for any help

 

Cables sound like a good start, you might also want to check out your grounds. they could be loose or rusty or something.

 

Check the wiring at the starter as well... My old '97 used to act like that and two connections at the starter were nearly rotten off.

 

99.9 chance it's a wiring issue involving the starter. Check all the connections and replace ones that are bad with proper wire.