Alternator vs. starter

[Fly Girl E]

I'm having a problem with my 93 X. Over the last few days, it' been pretty hestitant to start. Finally I went to start it and it tried to turn over and it just wouldn't. I tried it a couple more times and it just makes a clicking sound. Tried to jump it, but no luck. Put new battery...still nothing. So i'm thinking it is either the alternator or the starter. How can you tell which it is? If anyone can please help me, id greatly appreciate it. The only way to try to solve this issue is by process of elimination...buying one and trying it and if that doesn't work, buying the other. But if someone thinks they know which it might be, then id buy that one first =) Thanks guys!

 

[rpenner54]

If it's just clicking and you replaced the battery it's the battery cables. Very common problem on these things.

 

[Fly Girl E]

great i will try that first. Most likely cheaper than buying the alternator or starter first. =) Thanks

 

[rpenner54]

Well probably not... The cables are a Ford only item and they tend to run in the $50-80 range. I have bought 2 sets of these for two differn't Fords.

 

[Fly Girl E]

So you dont really think it's the starter or alternator? I know very little about cars and I was wondering if my car would at least start with a jump if it was the alternator that was bad. I'm most certain that it would not if it was a bad starter...am i right or wrong?

 

[Alec]

The alternator doesn't have anything to do with starting the truck. The alternator just charges the battery while the truck is running, but it's the battery that supplies the juice to start. If you replaced the battery and haven't drained it yet, then it's either the battery cables, starter soleniod, or the starter itself. But like was suggested above, it's probably the cables.

 

[Fly Girl E]

Cool! I will try that first thanks!

 

[LiKuiD]

i had the same problem....but was the starter not the battery cables. you could hear the starter just click when the key was turned and ended up getting a new starter and works fine now.

 

[Fly Girl E]

I think i will just buy a new starter and some new cables. Hope that by buying both it will solve the issue. =\ Thanks for all your posts and help guys!

 

[Mike 92 XLT]

Well, before you run out and spend the money on a starter, I'd just start with the cables. They're a common trouble spot on the early models, so even if they are not the cause of your troubles right now, you'd more than likely need to replace them anyway at some point down the road. I got mine at Pep Boys, so you don't have to go to the dealer for them.

Mike

 

[TPLYNCH]

I agree. Start with the simplest fix. If the cables have not been replaced in a long while, then they are probably bad. Also check where the negative cable attaches to the frame.

 

[Fly Girl E]

well turns out it was the starter. My husband pulled out the cables and tested them..all were good, so we bought a new starter and walla that was it. Thanks guys.

 

[Dolphan]

Cables $$

Cables from Ford $50-80 range ouch. Can't one just goto Auto---- and buy cheaper cables or is there something unique about Ford's cables?

 

[JDraper]

When the cable went bad in my '92, I got a new one from Pep Boys for $27 (exact match to OEM cable, not a universal fit), so they are available aftermarket.

 

[410Fortune]

There is a starter solenoid built into the 4.0L starter as well, they go out, and it will cause this problem.

The ground side battery cable can be replaced with an aftermarket unit for about $10, you just need to make sure and get enough length to reach the frame and make sure you get the proper number of accessory grounds coming off the terminal (4.0L = 3 wires total I believe, the big frame lead, the radiator support lead, and the inned fender lead)

You can get a starter for cheap at most ma and pa alternator and starter rebuild shops, usually with a lifetime warranty.

The connections at the starter canalso get dirty and cause this problem, I soldered mine so it wouldnt happen again, then covered the connection in heat shrink to keep the dirt off.