In a 1997 Ford Ranger,what are the chances of the solenoid and starter failing

S

SHAUN G

New member
at the same time? My truck would not turn over. It just clicked. The CAA driver said he was sure it was the solenoid. I told this to the garage he towed it to(unaffectionately known as Crappy
Tire).They said it was the starter and changed it for $426. My truck would not start again an hour later. Took it back.They now agreed it was the solenoid(a $12 part). I told them I paid $426 for an unnecessary part.They brought out a mechanic who talked around the issue and I didn't have the mechanical knowledge to argue it.I got stuck paying for both parts and I feel ripped off.Could the starter cause the solenoid to fail or vice versa?
 
That would be a big NO. Yeah you got ripped off all right. If it clicked the solenoid was what was doing the clicking! This is usually because of a dead or weak battery. Also, any mechanic worth his grease would have first jumped the solenoid with a screwdriver to isolate it as defective before ever replacing the starter. Sounds like Crappy tire was looking for some easy income to me. I'll bet you had a alternator or dead battery issue shortly after this incident.

My wife had the same issue with her car. They were going to charge her $450 some odd bucks to replace a bad alternator. She called me at work but I was unable to come and save her at the time. I asked her to ask if they would charge her battery and they said no, so I told her to buy a new battery and drive straight home because she'd be running on the battery only. Anyway, she had to pay $115 for a $30 wal-mart battery. My point is that auto shops prey on women. Never go to one without a guy with you.
 
Back
Top