I just bought an 08 Ranger four weeks ago. Truck has 42,000 on it. I could not get truck started after i came out of a store. The battery was okay. I called AAA the guy came double checked battery he said it was okay. Lights radio came on just got the dreaded click and nothing happens when key is turned. He then tried banging on starter while i cranked it nothing. He then jumped me and got me going. I drove back to where i got at and dropped it off, they won't be able to look at it till Tuesday. I had to go back to truck and get some stuff out and just for grins cranked it turned right over. Up until now could not be happier with it. Ideas?

 

your starter is almost gone to heaven

time for a new starter

 

I bet someone swapped an old battery into it before selling it and failed to clean the terminals.

 

the engine heat is jamming the starter

only when the engine cools off is the starter able to crank the engine

that is your sign right there

 

My 97 does this a lot. For me, it was a loose wire at the starter. There's a smaller wire that clips onto the passenger side of the starter. Mine comes loose from time to time. Pop the hood, wiggle it and she starts right up. Might give that a shot.

 

i don't think it's the starter, mine is the same age and similar milage and i've never had any issues. (knock on wood) i could see it being a loose ground or wire somewhere though.

 

i would say that its probably dirty terminals or a faulty ground. try inspecting that.

 

I just heard from the place they can't find anything wrong with it starter alternator battery all tested fine.

 

They changed that clip to a wire that bolts on. next time you replace it, you will probably get the new style.

 

Ford Ranger Starting Problems - CarSpace Automotive Forums


I found this out on the web but is from mostly second ,thrid gen Rangers though. Same symptoms I had drove it a little and then would not start but I would think the electrical system is different between my gen and the earlier ones.