92 ranger starter problems

28 views and nobody has an idea? I've got a haynes book on the way to see if I can trace the system out. Are there any other items in the starter system that could be causing problems?

Thanks

The first thing I would try is to jump the starter relay. If that works then replace the relay. If that doesn't work, I would check the grounds. Remember, the electrical system needs a complete circuit to work. The battery needs a good connection to the frame of the car and the engine needs to be connected electrically to the frame of the car. Look for rusted or corroded terminals on all connections including the battery posts.

Update.... I've had everyting checked and also checked as many of the wires and connections that I could. I noticed that if I try to put a charger on the battery while it's hooked up in the truck I get a fault light on the charger. If I pull it and charge it on the bench though it charges just fine.

I did jump the relay and it did the same thing, clicked at the relay and starter and promptly drained the battery.

I can't imagine this is anyting but a short somewhere but I have no idea where to start. Don't think it could be the ignition switch or the neutral saftey switch.

Anybody want to buy a truck cheap?

Did the truck start after you charged the battery?
If so, then it looks like you have a short somewhere.
If you have an ammeter, search the wiring for current with a high draw. If no ammeter, try pulling fuses in the power distribution box under the hood. This may take some time to check individual circuits. Start by removing fuses for system not needed to run the truck like the blower, lights, ABS, power seats, etc.
Does the charging fault light or voltmeter on the dash come on when the truck is running?

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No the truck hasn't started yet. It still does the same thing it did at first, just clicks at the starter and relay.

What really has me baffled is after about two or three tries it drains the battery. Still seems like the battery is bad to me, but it load tested fine. I may take it to a different shop and have them try it again.

Is there anything that could put that big a draw on the batttery only while trying to start? Also should jumping the relay have caused it to try to start without the ignition key even in? I don't think I mentioned that I also checked to make sure the motor wasn't frozen, it turned just fine.

The replies are helping give me more ideas but we haven't hit on the problem yet. I do appreciate the help though, this is really getting frustrating!

Turn the key all I hear is a click. The in dash ammeter is showing 9 or 10 volts. charge the battery and it does the same thing. I can start the truck using the jump start setting on my charger and the volts go up on the ammeter to 12+ volts. I can push start it just fine also. After running it for a while it doesnt seem to be charging the battery. I cant believe its an altenator since it runs just fine once it starts with all accesseries on, lights, radio, heater ect.... I replace the positve cable and the battery and it did the same thing but this time I cant jump start it with the battery charger it just clicks. My next step is that I am going to replace the ground cable then the starter. The one thing I dont understand is why when I put in a NEW battery the in dash ammeter is low 9 or 10 volt. I know this doesnt help you much I'm hoping to see more post on this. Have you tried to rock the truck while in gear then see if it starts?

I tried rocking it, that didn't help. I'm afraid to try jumping it with my other car since it seems to be taking such a huge drain on the battery as it is now. I don't want to screw up both and be walking!

Well I made the mistake of listening to the DUDE at the auto part store who was sure it was my altenator. So I got 1 ,wich I had to take back for the right one, and what do you know IT DIDN"T WORK. I have a feeling it's the starter or the ignition relay. Will give you an update. Good Luck with yours.