Hi guys. I've been running trouble free for quite some time now. (Hi to grass13! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/nana.gif" alt="" /> ECU still working great! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />) Funny, it's been almost 1 year to date with the new ecu and running fine. I hope it wasn't programmed to self destruct in one year. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> Yesterday took the dog for a 15 minute run. Came back to the truck and it would not turn over. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/scared.gif" alt="" /> Just a quick click sound, one time under the hood when turning key. (while in driver's seat, sounds like front right near dash)Dead silence after the click. Lights were not left on and battery not that old. The truck was in park.(automatic) Also tried in neutral and while drifting downhill. Couldn't reach the starter to tap on it. While in accessory position, radio and dash were intermittent and cut off and on. It was getting dark, and being a girly-girl, didn't want to be stranded in the woods so I called AAA and got a tow home. AAA didn't even bother trying to jump it. My gut feeling is that I'm missing something obvious.<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif" alt="" /> Starter, solenoid?
Is this a classic symptom or any suggestions where to start when I get home tonight?
Thanks!!

Classic loose battery terminal.

Mine does it occasionally. Usually just one or both of the 12mm bolts on top of the battery terminal connector that hold on the fuse block (the thing with the three little fuse link boxes on it).

I just tighten those up and it starts right up.

Post up if they aren't loose.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> will do. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> Fingers crossed.

If its the 2.6 I will be hurting for you that sucker is a pain in the <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

It's not a 2.6, but I'm sure it will be a pain-in- <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />
no matter what. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />
It's a '91 3.0 Automatic

Here is a summary of what's been done so far:

Checked and tightened all connections as suggested. (Only one side had the 12mm bolt, the other must have been replaced with a substitute years ago)

Battery checked with tester; saw voltage dropping below 11.5v
Charged battery for 30 min.
Same voltage drop out after trying to start.
Battery charger set to start, 55amp
Click when attempting to start.
Another 10 min charge.
Starter did turn ONCE (partial turn) then quit.
15 min charge again.
With charger connected, no sound when attempting to start.
Banged on it for good measure, then forehead and gave up.<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

Next step? (find a phonebook, look up the word MECHANIC?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />)

Check your alternator. Sometimes if the voltage regulator goes bad, the battery light in the dash won't come on. That's what happened to mine. With key on, engine off the battery light was not on. To check your alternator you'll either need to get the car running first and check with a multimeter, or remove it and take it to a parts store/shop and have it tested. Also, a slow low-amp charge is better than a fast charge. Try charging the battery at 2 amps or so for several hours, then see if it will start the car. Fast charging can create excessive heat inside the battery which can warp the plates and ruin the battery. If you've got a fully charged battery and you still have the "click-but-no-crank" I'd say you've got bad contacts in the starter solenoid. Right now it sounds to me like it's the alternator.

I had a starter problem a few weeks ago with the L4 2.6 you could hear a clicking, it's the solenoid, the problem was the starter, try to apply voltage to it, use booster cables and a working battery, connect the black cable to (-) and starter body, (+) to the solenoid big nut that is connected to the cable that comes out from the body, if it does run then apply voltage (red cable) at the same time to the other big nut and the small connector, you should hear a click and see the pinion slide and turn, in my case the brushes where worn out, a little dificult to replace, the hardest part was to remove the starter.

Ok. Check to make sure the engine isn't seized. If ok, it sounds like either your starter took a dump or you're having battery cable problems.

Of course, I could tell you more if you'd hold the keyboard up to it so I can see it better <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> Kidding.

If that's more than you can handle onyour own, it's time to take it to a mechanic.

If you're anywhere near Modesto, CA let me know.

You could install a new one or get the samurai clicky starter fix kit (ebay $12). I had the same problem which was chronic. Installed the kit which bypasses the ignition switch and draws juice directly from the battery. Starts every time now, easy installation.

Bite your tongue! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/zombie.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

All the suggestions give me more to think about and I'll try to eliminate. Unfortunately I'm on the east coast and it's pouring cats and dogs. I'll do a more thorough check when it quits. The quick fix off Ebay sounds interesting.