Hello FTE,

I have a 2002 Ford Ranger with a 3.0L engine that is having some issues with starting, here is what is happening.

Every so so often when the key is turned to start there is no movement from the starter motor. The battery is fine and all of the dash lights stay on while the engine is not starting. I have replaced the starter with a remanufactured model (possibly a mistake), and also replaced the clutch interlock switch. I have attempted to change the ignition switch but the replacement I received did not even try to turn the starter (after many tries), like possibly it was faulty out of the box. I am currently using the OEM ignition switch as it will at least turn the starter eventually. I just worry that this problem will develop further at the wrong time.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Chris S.

 

My last intermittent no crank was a flaky starter relay.
Check the start circuit wiring diagram or your owners manual to see if yours uses a starter relay.
if it does use a relay, see if it clicks when someone tuns the key

 

Thank you very much 87 XLT, you have given me hope. I'm fairly sure the relay is mounted on the starter on my model but I will check.

Thanks again.

 

The ignition switch is wired directly to the starter solenoid or to a starter relay. If it has a relay it will be under the hood in a fuse/relay box OR the positive battery cable will be wired directly to the relay
I don't know which way an 02 Ranger is wired

 

Yep the starter solenoid is wired to a starter relay. The relay is under the hood in the BJB (Battery junction box.)
The other side of the starter relay is wired to fuse 11 it's a 50 amp also in the BJB. Is the fuse solid in it's mount?

And as we all know the starter solenoid is part of the starter motor.

 

I will check that as well. It's somewhat frustrating troubleshooting a problem that is only intermittent. As of right now the truck is starting fine. I will let you know when it doesn't start, haha

 

If it acts up long enough to do some simple testing try this: put your thumb on the starter relay and if you feel & hear the relay close when someone turns the key to start you will know that the ignition switch, clutch switch and relay are not the problem.

Have fun.

 

Welcome to FTE.
Have a look here for TSB's & wiring pictorials for your vehicle/s. Search Wiring Diagrams

Good trouble shooting suggestions 87 XLT.

Chris, stop tossing parts at the problem on a hunch. I know it's frustrating trying to trouble shoot an intermittent problem, as I went through a 6 month ordeal on my old 94 Taurus trying to trouble shoot a very random stall, would immediately restart & run like nothing had happened but wouldn't set any trouble code clues & am guilty of tossing one part at that problem.....without joy, before I finally settled down & did a proper trouble shoot that finally led me to know it was a ECM/computer problem.

In your case at least your 02 vehicle is OBD-2, so it's self diagnostic capabilities are Way more sophisticated than the 94 Taurus OBD-1 system. Since you seem to like doing your own diagnostics & wrench turning, seriously consider borrowing, or coming by the inexpensive ELM scan tool, running FORScan, or the like diagnostic software on the viewing device of your choice as discussed here https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...-scantool.html & if no trouble codes are now stored, have it scan again when it acts out next time, for trouble code clues & post All code Numbers, as they can help focus a trouble shoot.

It might be helpful to know what engine, transmission & body style your 02 has & if any mods have been done, like an aftermarket anti-theft, or remote start system?

Does it have the factory PATS anti-theft system? If it has PATS, & that turns out to be part of your problem, FORScan can now query that system for trouble code clues too!!!

A bunch more thoughts for consideration, let us know how the trouble shoot goes.