Hey yall dads got a 98 ranger that wont start, its not the battery cause we cant jump it off, but if your on a hill you can pop the clutch to get it started, i was thinking maybe a starter or something in the electrical part or w/e but yall think the problem is?

 

Check the solenoid 1st. Should get a loud click from that. If not, try a cheap rubber-handled tool to short the solenoid's copper terminals. If that starts it, buy a new one. Also check for loose battery, solenoid & starter connections.

 

OK, you need to check your battery to starter connections like Matt said, and check all fuses in cab, and under the hood in the Power Distribution Box- also check your ignition switch located under the dash on the steering column to see if it is burnt or melted-look at wiring and connection for shorting-they don't get burnt for no reason..you could also look at your CLUTCH INTERLOCK SWITCH, or CPP, which will give a no-start if it is not working, its connection corroded, or not hooked up at all..You need to give more info like: mileage, engine, and trans, Regular cab, Super cab, 4x4, or 4x2, XL, or XLT, what kinda shape she's in, if you just bought it, how long-people on this site can help a lot with just a little info....

 

Yeah i know sorry was in a hurry when i posted, lol dont see how it matters what cab it is, but its a 98 ranger 4cyl 5 sp 2wd xlt
Ill check those things yall said im sure its something small like something electrical now that i think about it.

 

did y'all figure out whats wrong with yer ranger? my 01 ranger wont crank. i have 12.6 volts at the batteries. i tested my starter solenoid, it engages. i replaced my starter relay. the only left is my ignition switch. ( and i checked the transmission neutral safty switch). any ideas??

 

Countryboy, everything I mentioned is electrical, some on a small scale, some a little more-different models, cabs, have different wiring(?), but the more info, the more it helps..How did any of your checks come out-did you locate the problem?? I forgot about the Neutral Safety switch!! Hope you find your problem!!!

 

Better HOPE it's electrical & within DRB's list. I suppose the ECM might be involved too, but it would be the last bit on the list. O yeah, do you have Ford's Pass-key? Microchip in the ignition key. And I think that runs off the GEM, but the usual suspect of failure there is the chip in the key.

 

Countryboy, did you look at your fuse panel-it is located on the driver side end of the dash when you open the door(I'm sure you know where it is)-try looking at fuse #24-its a fuse for the starter relay/anti-theft-its a 15 amp fuse-check it out..and while your in there, check the one right underneath it-#28-10 amp, for the GEM system...

 

Wow!!! You guy's are scaring me, you'll have his truck over hauled in another couple of posts ha ha. I know vehicles are more complicated now, but in the old days when a truck would start, but could be push started. The fist thing to check is the conections to battery, solenoid and starter. Then check for bad solenoid and then starter. I know you guy's covered all that, and 99% of the time it should be in that mix. It shouldn't be the switch or PAT key or any of that as he has fire to the motor as it will push start, the same with clutch interlock, it will still push start. The clutch interlock I believe would stop the truck from starting eveen by compression starting. I also highly dout it would be the puter. I will say you guy's are extensive as well as scarey ha ha. I could see dollar signs flashing in this poor guy's head as you posted. I'm not ruling any of your sugestions out, you guy's are smart and know your vehicles. I believe old school would tell me it's the conections, solenoid, or starter, for his sake , I hope so. I'm amazed as I read your posts, makes me realize how little I know. I'm glad you guy's are on my side and my friends with all that knolwledge. I feel more comfortable when I need help with you guy's on the job, keep up the good work buddies, you are assets to this forum.

 

I was just pointing out that it would HAVE to be electrical. You do NOT want it to be a mechanical reason... But it'll push start, so it has compression, fuel & spark. That leaves cranking.

 

Yep, thats the way I see it as well.

 

I hope its electrical too.. I didn't mean to scare anybody, just trying to be thorough..I not sure about the clutch interlock not being able to compression start-I thought is just a safety switch so the vehicle would not jump if you were to be in gear???????I going to find out!!! Just the same, I'd look at those fuses...

 

Yeah, Dennis, I'm not sure about the clutch interlock either. Give us a shout if you find out something, I would be interested to know myself. By tag teaming this guy's problem, should help him figure it out. It should be simple as the problem is as old as cars themselfs, but as cars become more complicated. The old rules don't allways apply,as we all know. That where your guy's expertese comes in, the new aged puter wizards. The only thing I know about a puter is how to get online and how to reprogram one with a bama puter programer and thats just a matter of reading questions and pushing buttons, even a puter dummy like me can use bama ha ha.