Intermittent starting issue
1994 Ford Ranger, 2.3L 4 cylinder engine, 5 speed manual trans, 327,000 miles. This truck has been very reliable for the 3 years I've owned it. Literally just keep the fluids topped up and it never has any problems. I've done a full brake replacement on all 4 wheels, put heavy duty springs on the rear and replaced the starter. In the last 3 months it has had intermittent starting issues. I replaced the starter last year so I don't think it's the starter. It will start several times in a row and then I'll get in and go to start and just get a click from the engine. Sometimes if I shift to different gear and then try it will start. Sometimes if I rock the truck from inside it will start...and sometimes not. But almost always if I get out and open the hood and wiggle the battery cables it will start afterward. Once it starts then it stays on, lights and stereo work, accessories work etc and battery charges. The terminal clamps are tight. I can't wiggle them at all. The cables don't pull off or seem any more loose than any other battery cables. So I'm wondering if I could have some corrosion or a break down in the cable itself? I use this truck for storm chasing quite a bit so it gets bounced around on rough gravel roads and it's pretty inconvenient when I have to get out and wiggle a wire with a storm bearing down on me. Any solutions?
