94 Ford Ranger not starting, new battery, lights turn on, engine clicks, then lights go out. What's wrong?

Answer 1

sounds like your not making a good connection on the battery, make sure the terminals and cables are real clean.

Answer 2

rasco hit the nail on the head.

Want to verify the problem?

Use a test light and probe into the + cable which goes to the starter (of course the other end is grounded). The light will come on. Then have someone turn the key while you watch the test light. If it goes out, which it probably will, you have lost continuity between the battery, and that part of the cable. The problem will be internal corrossion in the cable where the terminal and copper line are molded together.

Answer 3

The lights are on a relay that turns them off while the starter motor is torning so that you have all the power the starter can get.

That in it's self is not a big deal.

Now for the starter not turning. By the sound of it, you need a new starter, or starter solenoid (if it's seperate from the starter)

If it uses a remote solenoid, use an old screw driver to jump the two big terminals on the solenoid.
If the starter works, you need a new solenoid.
If it does't work, you need a new starter.

Answer 4

I am not an expert at cars but it sounds like the alternator to me. Go to one of those auto parts stores and have them test it for you. They will do it for free. Like NAPA, Discount Auto or Pep Boys. They have all been very helpful to me in diagnosing problems. Then when you do see a mechanic you have an idea of what the problem is, good luck.

Answer 5

there are a flew things it could be a bad connection on the battery cables pos. or neg. solenoid or abad gound

Answer 6

Starter or solonoid grounding out

Answer 7

you have a bad connection between battery and starter.

Answer 8

replace both battery cables.

Answer 9

its a ford

Answer 10

it probably needs a new solenoid