1997 Ford Ranger Intermitment problems

[bmm95]

The first sign of trouble was this morning when truck would not start after driving to work with no incident. After being parked for an hour when I turned the key there was no power to anything and the door chime was very faint. The truck would not respond what so ever even with jumper cables hooked up. Then after checking fuses I turned on the headlights on out of pure curiosity and the door chime went on as normal and I started the truck immmediately. While driving home to park it for the day the truck cut out and died and "restarted" itself on the freeway. The cutout was only for about a second but it happened three or four times and was long enough for the dash stuff to light up and the chime to go off. I am suspecting a faulty relay or short but really have no clue where to begin?? I would appreciate any input or advice as to where I should even start.

[cougarman]

Try the main source of power 1st. Remove and clean battery terminals.
Hope this works.

[bmm95]

Originally Posted by cougarman

Try the main source of power 1st. Remove and clean battery terminals.
Hope this works.

Cleaned off the connectors and also threw in a new battery since it was going to be needed fairly soon anyway and the problem still exists. As I turn various components on and off (i.e. the AC or headlights) it will sometimes cut out really quick and then go back to running normal. Also if it doesnt start the first time I try, I turn on one of the accesories and what do you know, it starts. No idea whats next other then a trip to the shop!

[cougarman]

It still sounds like a bad connection somewhere. remove all wires from the starter and clean the connections ( disconnect negative from battery before you start working on the starter) . Pay special attention for green oxidization on the connections. I remember the rangers also had problems with the positive wire from battery to starter corroding on the inside near the terminals , but can't recall which years it affected.
When it won't start, try numerous times , then feel all the connections to see if any feel hot. Check all main relay terminals for corrosion in the power distribution box. check all grounds wires and terminals like battery to body ground, battery to engine ground. check ground wire from engine to body or install an extra one.

I hope one of these ideas work. Good Luck.

[bmm95]

Problem solved. I was checking all connections and found that one of the posts on the starter relay didnt seem right because it actually wiggled when I moved the wires a little. Long story short, 13.99 for a starter relay and all is well now. Cougarman- I cant thank you enough for pointing me in the right direction. Being an rookie/wanna-be mechanic can be quite intimidating but you led me in the right direction and saved me good money. Thanks again!!!