happened a few times, stopped for a few days...now I can't get my truck to start.

95 ranger 3.0

everytime I try to start it I just get a rapid clicking.
the more I try, the more it slows down to just a click or a few clicks.
not the battery. had it tested a few weeks ago, almost brand new.
all electrical stuff works, just can't get the engine to start...

is it the starter? or maybe the solenoid on the starter?

EDIT:: Ok, now truck starts when jumped but not on it's own. alternator shot?

Probably the solenoid is bad. I believe it is a separate, replaceable item on the Ranger.

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Sgtsandman's Work in Progress
2011 Ranger XLT, 4X4, 4 door Super Cab. 4.0L, 5 Speed M50D-R1HD, 3.73:1, 8.8" open differential, Jason Pace cap
2019 Ford Ranger STX FX4, Super Crew, 2.3L Ecoboost, 10 speed automatic, 3.73:1 with rear locker, Leer 100XR cap

This happened on my 94 Ranger 4cyl. 5 speed. It was the solenoid that mounts on the inside of the fender. I was actually able to take a screwdriver for a while and place between the bolts on the soledoid and start the truck off of that. Later as it became worse I would arc it at the solenoid and then start it off of the starter using the same method with the scewdriver. Eventually I had to replace both the starter and the solenoid. Neither was incredibly expensive, and changing both parts out only took about 30 minutes. That was on the 94 model. I forgot to check and see which year you had so I don't really know how helpful my advice would be.

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94 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4
Extended Cab .
4.0 Automatic.

This sounds like possibly an altenator since you said the battery is good. But try this before you worry about the altenator...look at the battery cable ends and make sure they are corrosion-free, and tightened up good. If the cable ends are good then there is a good chance your altenator is bad. Just go to somewhere like Advance that tests them for free and get them to check it out

Thats right, I totally forgot utill I read the last post, if its still got the factory battery cables on it they are really bad about corrosion inside that rubber peice next to the post. I actually had to cut those premolded ends off mine and put new battery cable ends on it.

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94 Ford Ranger XLT 4x4
Extended Cab .
4.0 Automatic.

I voting for the battery...had that same thing happen to my ranger in January. I went though the same steps as you. I was at my wits end and replaces the battery. FIXED...my battery tested good too....one of those weird things.

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(SOLD) 2003 Ranger 4.0L V6 FX4
2001 F150 Supercrew Triton V8 (DD)
2008 Fusion 3.0L SEL V6 (my baby)
1992 Taurus SHO MTX (my toy-almost Supercharged)
2004 Nissan Murano SL AWD (Wife's car)

It's either: starter, starter solenoid, battery, or battery connection. I would start with the connections, then battery, then solenoid, then starter.

Good luck.

thanks guys, I talked to a buddy of mine that comes into my work alot who works at a dealership in the mech shop..he said it was the battery too...so I'll replace that by next week and let you guys know.

As stated before make sure battery cable connections are clean and secure. Battery cables could also be bad.

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2001 Extended cab Edge, 4x4, 4.0, 4.10 gears, 3" PA body lift, Heartthrob dual exhaust, Roush Thunderbolt signal mirrors, 8000k hid head/foglights, Mountaineer leather buckets, Xplorer shorty console, Alpine 9856 receiver, 10" type r sub in ported box, air box mod, throttle cable mod, Rancho R5000 shox, Scangauge II, plus many other things...

thanks guys, it was the battery.
given the recent cold here in florida and then sudden heat, apparently mine wasn't the only battery that got shot.
might've been the new amp and sub I installed recently though...ehhh I'm gonna get rid of them anyway...too much money.

a battery can show a full 12V and have low Amps, happens more with the new sealed batteries. Alot of parts houses can check the battery as well as alternators and starters. Glad you got it fixed.

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04 Ford Ranger Edge
3.0 V6 Auto SuperChips Programer
air box and blinker mods

similar problem with mine. i have a 90 ranger 2.9l auto that clicks one time when i turn the key. i have rplaced battery, solenoid, starter, battery cable/ends and solenod to starter cable.

I've had this problem on another truck and I forgot what the problem ended up being but from trying to start it over and over we ended up messing up the fly wheel. This was on a 98 gmc 1500

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2001 2wd white, 3" body lift, 3" fabtech spindles, 35" BFG KM2, Procomp absorbers rugged radios, PR-lighting solutions led bars, fiberwerx

Not even two weeks ago my just did it put a new battery in it and is running fine

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1995 Ranger XLT 3.0 5Speed
DJM Dream beams, Cut coils (front)
DJM Flip kit with 2" blocks, Flipped shackle (rear)

Thank You Very Much ! And the other contributors also ! i just banged on the

positive terminal of my dark silent clicking truck , fearing a flat-deck ride to the

shop ! 10:00 P:M: and faint hope . Magic ! Lights, - Engine ! Awesome !!!