starter/solenoid problems

Hello, My 1994 Ranger has been having issues with the starter. i would turn the key to start and the starter would not turn but i would hear a click every time i turned the key. I originally thought it was the starter so i replaced it. sure enough, i still have the same problem. does anyone know what the problem could be. Thank in advanced for your help.

Have you checked the battery and also all the cables to make sure that they are clean.If you are sure that they are good then double check the new starter that you got,could be that you got a bad one.

Thanks for the message. I have in fact checked all connections to and from battery. i am wondering if the relay that is mounted to the side of fender is to blame. anybody had any trouble with the starter relay making a clicking noise and not activating the starter? Thanks for any insight.

-Ryan

I have a 93 ranger 3.0 liter so I don't know if this is what you have but should be similar ???.There is a solenoid on the starter where you connect the small wire.If this is correct then the solenoid is the relay.But if you say the solenoid is on the fender where ford used to put them,it should click once when you turn the key(this is the sound from inside when it makes contact to supply power to the starter motor.If you suspect this then try checking it with a multimeter to see if in fact you do get contact.Also Ryan on my starter I had a problem with the battery cable terminal that connects to the starter,It had corroded apart from the cable.It was very hard to see.So check that very carefully too.Like I said I don't know how similar your engine is to mine.It sounds like you are getting power to the solenoid from the ignition,but not getting power to the starter or if you are getting power to the starter it is not turning.One more thing is to check the battery cable connection at the starter to see if you are getting voltage there (when you turn the key)if not work your way back to see how far you do get voltage.Good Luck Ryan

I am sorry to bother you but my 1993 Ford Ranger is doing the same thing you talked about, I bought a new solenoid and starter and it ran for a week and then it started doing the same thing again. What did your problem end up being if you don't mind me asking

I am sorry to bother you but my 1993 Ford Ranger is doing the same thing you talked about, I bought a new solenoid and starter and it ran for a week and then it started doing the same thing again. What did your problem end up being if you don't mind me asking

I have a friend w/ a 2.3L with that issue. He turns the key 3 or 4 times for it to start, otherwise it just 'clicks'. He damaged that small wire terminal when replacing his starter, and we think a bad connection there is to blame.

Just a thought,
Pete