Solenoid clicks no start lights seem strong, how to test battery?

1990 FORD E-SERIES VAN

190,000 MILES

BYLSMA

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Solenoid clicks and no start, I replaced the cables and tested it and it started. Once i put the battery back it has not started since.
bench tested the starter and it did not work so I replaced the starter and still no start just the clicking.
The battery is over 5 years old.
I have no meters to read voltage.

Sep 20, 2011 at 8:54 AM

JDL

✓Experienced Mechanic
16,098 POSTS

Some of the national brand autostores will test the battery. To work on your own electrical system, at the least, you need a digital multimeter. Some of the discount autostores carry digital multimeters, doesn't cost much, better than nothing.

Turn on your headlites, turn key to crank, how do the headlites react? If they go out or almost, suspect the battery or connections. If the lites stay bright and no reaction when trying to crank, suspect open circuit to the starter. This is just generic info, There are a number of possibilities.

Sep 20, 2011 at 9:37 AM

JDL

✓Experienced Mechanic
16,098 POSTS

You could use a testlite on the circuits,but, I like a digital multimeter better.

Sep 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM

CJ MEDEVAC

✓Experienced Mechanic
11,000 POSTS

TRY SOME OF THIS STUFF (TOWARDS THE TOP)

https://www.2carpros.com/questions/1992-ford-ranger-wont-start

RETURN WITH RESULTS/ GOOD NEWS!

THEN WE WILL GO INTO TESTING

THE MEDIC

Sep 20, 2011 at 9:39 AM

CJ MEDEVAC