No start, no crank and no power?

THOLMES

MEMBER
1998 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
277,000 MILES

It needed the starter and battery replaced when I got it. After that, it ran fine. A week later it started sounding weird on the start and then it would just click when I tried to start it, battery drained. Charged battery and started and drove with no issues. The next time I went to start it, it wouldn't - no click. Tested the starter and replaced it again. Then the hazard flashers started to buzz when on. Lights stopped working. Replaced all the indicator bulbs and hazards worked fine. Checked clutch switch, seems okay. Replaced ignition switch and now the key only beeps when in the ignition. When I turn the key, all power goes completely dead. Code reader won't work because there is no power.
ABS module is making a clicking noise when the battery is hooked up. Lights are not working. The horn has also stopped working and instead makes a weird buzz when pressed.

I have replaced the starter relay, the PCM power relay, and the blower motor relay.

I have no idea what else to do.

6 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

What you described sounds like either the battery is extremely weak, or you have a bad connection. Are the battery terminals clean and tight? Have you recharged the battery to see if the alternator is doing its job? That is where I feel the problem may be coming from.

Do me a favor. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and recharge the battery. If you don't have a charger, many parts stores will recharge it for you and test it.

Once it's charged, reinstall it and start the truck. I need you to check the battery voltage when the engine is off and then again when it's running.

Here is a link that explains how to test the alternator:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-alternator

Let me know if this helps and what is found.

Take care,

Joe

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Friday, March 10th, 2023 AT 10:15 PM

THOLMES

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Hey!

Battery is charged and reading 12.68V. I leave the battery my truck disconnected at the moment because I never know if something is discharging it.

Thanks!

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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 4:32 PM

THOLMES

MEMBER
10 POSTS

Terminals are also clean and I have checked and cleaned all ground connections

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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 4:32 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Hi,

Okay, since there is no power to anything, let's start in the under-hood fuse box. I attached a pic below. Check to see if the highlighted fuses have power to them.

Here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

Let me know what you find.

Joe

See pic below.

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Saturday, March 11th, 2023 AT 7:41 PM

THOLMES

MEMBER
10 POSTS

I checked the fuses, and the test light was very dim, so I took apart the battery cables and their connectors and cleaned up the wires. This made a huge difference. Everything is working as it should. Had to replace the starter but no weird ticking on the hazard flashers or noise from the ABS module.

Thanks so much!