Hey Guys,

My 2002 Ranger is doing something strange. I went to start it and everything was completely dead like the battery was all the way gone. I went back the next day with my charger and when I got in the dome light was on so I put the key and it started up no problem. I drove it around the block with no issue. When I got back I turned it off and went to restart it and it was dead again no dash lights nothing like the battery was disconnected. Also there is the electrical chattering coming from behind the center console dash area close to the floor.

Thanks
Karl

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2002 2.3l 2WD

I would start by cleaning the battery cables and checking the ground cable for a solid ground.

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barneycat11 2006 FX4

I know the cables are clean because the battery is 3 weeks old but not sure about the ground to the chassis. I will check it after work.

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2002 2.3l 2WD

Sounds a lot like a ground issue. The clicking is probably a relay turning on and off due to intermittent ground problems.

The main engine ground is attached to the starter.

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2001.5 2.3 213xxx and counting
M501-HD L154 Manual
Don't bother looking for 1st gear synchros, I bought the last one

Take a look also at the 'power distribution box' under hood. It has a plastic cover and is equipped with a lot of fuses and relays. If it has corrosion or loose connections(the big wire from the battery is attached, a large fuse, etc), it can interrupt power to just about everything. If you live where roads are salty, you might want to inspect the underside of the PDB for green corrosion.
tom