'94 - Starter solenoid clicks once... read on...
 

Hi all, new to the forums!


Just picked up a 1994 SOHC i4 2.3L MTX Ranger.

I have a couple of questions about it.


When I bought it, it started fine every time (this was a few days ago).

Two days ago, it started fine the first time, shut it off, and went to start it a few minutes later and all I got was a single CLICK from the starter solenoid mounted on the fender.

Bridged the two connections on the starter and it spun up without any strange or bad sounds, even went as far as to take it out and had it tested at a local parts store (and it passed). So I took my wire brush and some sand paper and cleaned up the posts on the starter, the connections on the ends of the wires at the starter, and used a terminal cleaner and cleaned up the battery terminals and posts. (oh, and I cleaned up the surface of the starter where the bolt holes are that are mounting the starter, the surface that the area of the starter would contact when re-installed on the case, as well as wire brushed the starter mounting bolts. Now it starts up, but I have to turn the key a few times for it to start (otherwise, it does the single click from the fender mounted solenoid [which I just replaced yesterday])


I tried it with the new battery out of my car with the same result.



Thanks for looking and ahead of time for any time it may take you for your response!!!


Also, I am looking for information on the bellhousing rubber boot that fits in this inspection hole - ie. where I can get one and what damage can be caused by not having one...
https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1313626196

Are these bolts on the rear differential just a 12-point socket?
https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1313626196


And one of my truck for the record :D
https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1313626196

When diagnosing starter problems , people commonly forget to check the ground connections from the battery to the frame , engine , and body.

my ground cable at the battery is kinda loose. it will, from time to time, do a single "click". i have to get out, wiggle the cable and it cranks right up.

Thanks, I'll definitely check my other grounds after work tomorrow!

Check the grounds, and by all means if it's just a starter solenoid it should be fairly cheap to replace. My old Ranger's only cost less than 20$.

Are you talking about the starter solenoid that's bolted onto the starter?

Just asking cause I already replaced the fender mounted one.

Can someone also tell me where this hose is supposed to lead to? It is on the drivers side of the rear axle. Vac line by the looks of it.


https://www.ranger-forums.com/attach...ine=1313706483



and if anybody knows the layout of these fuses it would be much appreciated.
http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c2...0818011723.jpg

F***ing great. Truck has a blown head gasket. Oil in the coolant. Too good to be true I guess.