Delayed crank: starter solenoid?

[SensRanger]

Just recently, for the first time since I've owned the truck (2003) a new issue has occurred a few times. When I turn the key to start it, there is like a 1 or 2 second delay before the starter cranks. Once it does, it fires up just like normal. There is just this weird delay where nothing seems to be happening. I am thinking the starter solenoid might be on it's way out. It's original. Just wondering if anyone has had this exact symptom and what it was. Truck is a 96 Ranger 4.0L.

 

[BrooklynBay]

Load test the battery, and clean the battery contacts. Apply an antioxidant to the teminals.

 

[SensRanger]

Crank fixed (starter went), but now a related new problem

So it wasn't the solenoid or battery, it was the starter. It was working fine for the most part over the last 2 weeks, but the "delayed crank" would sometimes come up. But one day it just wouldn't crank at all. Starter was toast. With the new starter, it fires up faster than ever! So, tip: if you turn the key and there is a 1-2 second pause before the starter turns, look at replacing it before you're stranded.

But there is a related, new problem now. When the starter died, I was temporarily parked in the middle of a road at a park, where I was meeting buddies to go camping. I needed to push the truck into a parking spot to leave it for the weekend so I could hop in with the others. It took a 3 point turn and a lot of wrenching on the stiff steering wheel to get into the spot. I noticed that power steering fluid had leaked out during this process. I learned later that it is normal for Fords to eject fluid when you turn the wheels with the motor off. (The cap on the reservior had been displaced).

Problem is, the pressure that blew the cap off the reservoir must have blew something else too, since after topping up with PS fluid, it kept leaking! Reservoir was drained within 2 HOURS of topping it up. I looked underneath and saw the big puddle but could not tell exactly where it was coming from. At a glance, it looked like it was leaking from a lower spot (i.e. gear box, as opposed to pump or reservoir). Can't rule out anything yet though. Anyone have an idea what was likely to have let go after my parking lot maneuvering with the motor off? Blew a seal..gearbox or pump? Why though, would something else blow if the fluid escaped out the cap like it's supposed to...?

Going to try Lucas for now but the leak is so large I am skeptical. Hard to justify a major steering box repair given the truck's age right now, even though the motor runs great. So many things this summer... synchronizer, starter, exhaust leaks, EGR valve, it's getting to be a big problem. And while I can do an oil change, t-stat etc I can't handle these big jobs so it's $$$$$.

 

[imp]

So it wasn't the solenoid or battery, it was the starter. It was working fine for the most part over the last 2 weeks, but the "delayed crank" would sometimes come up. But one day it just wouldn't crank at all. Starter was toast. With the new starter, it fires up faster than ever! So, tip: if you turn the key and there is a 1-2 second pause before the starter turns, look at replacing it before you're stranded.

But there is a related, new problem now. When the starter died, I was temporarily parked in the middle of a road at a park, where I was meeting buddies to go camping. I needed to push the truck into a parking spot to leave it for the weekend so I could hop in with the others. It took a 3 point turn and a lot of wrenching on the stiff steering wheel to get into the spot. I noticed that power steering fluid had leaked out during this process. I learned later that it is normal for Fords to eject fluid when you turn the wheels with the motor off. (The cap on the reservior had been displaced).

Problem is, the pressure that blew the cap off the reservoir must have blew something else too, since after topping up with PS fluid, it kept leaking! Reservoir was drained within 2 HOURS of topping it up. I looked underneath and saw the big puddle but could not tell exactly where it was coming from. At a glance, it looked like it was leaking from a lower spot (i.e. gear box, as opposed to pump or reservoir). Can't rule out anything yet though. Anyone have an idea what was likely to have let go after my parking lot maneuvering with the motor off? Blew a seal..gearbox or pump? Why though, would something else blow if the fluid escaped out the cap like it's supposed to...?

Going to try Lucas for now but the leak is so large I am skeptical. Hard to justify a major steering box repair given the truck's age right now, even though the motor runs great. So many things this summer... synchronizer, starter, exhaust leaks, EGR valve, it's getting to be a big problem. And while I can do an oil change, t-stat etc I can't handle these big jobs so it's $$$$$.

Your situation warrants a long, "Jesus H. Christ"! Can't imagine this chain of events. WTH has your vehicle been smoking, anyhow? imp

 

[SensRanger]

Tell me about it! The truck is possessed. And can you believe it... the alternator just went! At least I can swap that myself. And the Lucas seems to be helping, drips have slowed, though I had to park it last Friday after the alternator stopped charging so still need to do more driving to work in the Lucas. After some research and a closer look I think I blew the "sector shaft seal." At least a new steering box is not crazy expensive. The truck body is near-mint though (except for the side that got charged at by a deer 2 years ago...left box side is crumpled but I still had collision so got $2,500 from insurance and was able to keep driving!) So with minimal rust concerns and these relatively minor issues I will keep fixing it. As soon as something major goes it'll be the boneyard though. Keep waiting for the tranny to die. It's had a "3-2 downshift clunk" for years which really sounds unhealthy but it's been the same for a really long time so who really knows.