Ranger 1996 3.0L, 6cyl, automatic. Will not start at all, nothing from the engine, no clicking. Dash lights up, radio, lights but when the key is turned nothing but the lights on the dash. The truck just ran over 40 miles to pick up some wood flooring, stopping and starting at least 4 times without issues. Parked to unloaded, engine was still warm even when it first happened and now nothing happens – not sure where to begin to troubleshoot. The truck has always run great and started very easily, checked oil is fine, probably something electric but need a place to start looking.
I'm as old as the truck in man years so my mechanic days are a ways back - in other words both are very old. But I'd like to get it running again so hopefully it can be repaired. Any simple suggestions would be great, Thanks

 

Tap on the starter solenoid with a solid object. Tap on the starter relay with a solid object. Try again. If the engine cranks then the problem is likely in one of those two things. They can get stuck. Try the relay first, it's the easiest to get to.

Starter solenoid - the small cylinder on the side of the starter
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4152&jsn=689


Starter relay - Rockauto does not use the name that most Ford owners use
https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...t=4188&jsn=678

 

I had a 94 that had the same problem and it was a broken battery cable at the starter.

 

Neutral Safety Switch on the transmission ? I don’t know if these trucks will start in N instead of P to test but another angle …

 

I tapped the solenoid with a small hammer but haven't tried down at the starter yet. Have a new solenoid arriving tomorrow anyway. Thanks for the help.

 

Thanks, that's a great idea and easy to give it a try. I'm not sure if it would start in N either but easy to test.

 

It wasn't the solenoid, replaced with new and same issue. I did get under and checked the starter cables and tapped to loosen, didn't do much. I turned the wheel slightly which caused it to lock, and also then, the key wouldn't turn! I thought that's the end of it but was able to get the steering wheel to turn a little which freed the key, and once again this very old Ranger started right up! If someone can explain what's in the steering column that would do this I would really like to understand it better. Only thing I can think of is when I parked to unload it was backed in - I always just pull in forward so it must have set something off. Thanks to all for the suggestions and maybe this thread may help another although how many are still out there running....

 

Glad you got it figured out … I’ve actually had that happen with my truck , a 2003 . The steering wheel will lock and I can’t get the key to turn and unlock … I don’t know about the electrical issue but the steering being locked happens … again, glad you are back up running again 👍