I have a '99 Ranger (V6, 4.0L) at about 130,000 miles. I'm in south FL so it's very hot and humid. I service it regularly. The check engine light comes on and off seemingly as it pleases. The truck was running fine two nights ago. Yesterday morning it wouldn't start. I put the keys in the ignition, the lights came on and the starter clicked but the engine didn't turn over then the lights cut off. I turned the key again; this time no click but the lights came on and went off immediately. The third time, no click or lights. I tried jumping it but that didn't work. Last night my friend took the battery to be tested; it tested good and as holding a charge. He put the battery back in, tried starting the car, nothing. He cleaned off the ports and cables of corrosion really well. It started and ran just fine. About two hours later I checked to make sure it would still start/run and it did. This morning I tried stating and it did the same exact thing as yesterday morning. It's been about 8 hours, I opened the door and my dome light came on, closed the door, no response at all, opened the door and my dome light wouldn't even come on again. What are some possible causes for this? Any knowledgeable suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

CHeck fuses, and put a socket on the crank pully and see if you can turn the engine manually. let me know and we can go from there

 

I had that same problem on my 1995 ranger. It turned out that the battery terminal end on the positive wire had a crack and wouldn't tighten up enough to hold. It sseemed tight but because of the crack wasnt alwways making good contact. Check those first.