'86 Ranger Cold no start
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 265
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland
'86 Ranger Cold no start
Having a recurring problem with my daughter's '86
Ranger 2.3 L Automatic. When the temperature drops below freezing, the starter often will not turn, solenoid will not click. I have discovered it will start with a jumper wire from the positive battery post to a small stud on the solenoid. I have replaced the neutral interlock switch twice, and even secured the wiring boot with a hose clamp this last time to ensure a tight connection.
The wiring diagrams show a starter relay; is this the second relay on the passenger side firewall? or are they refering to the solenoid when they say "starter relay"? Is anyone familiar with the inards of the automatic transmission? Could something be loose or shrinking enough not to trip the interlock switch in cold weather? Once truck is good and warmed up, the problem goes away for the rest of the day, unless it sits long enough to get dead stone cold. Usually it will not start in Park or Neutral, but on occasion Neutral will work when Park does not. Would appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to proceed.
Ranger 2.3 L Automatic. When the temperature drops below freezing, the starter often will not turn, solenoid will not click. I have discovered it will start with a jumper wire from the positive battery post to a small stud on the solenoid. I have replaced the neutral interlock switch twice, and even secured the wiring boot with a hose clamp this last time to ensure a tight connection.
The wiring diagrams show a starter relay; is this the second relay on the passenger side firewall? or are they refering to the solenoid when they say "starter relay"? Is anyone familiar with the inards of the automatic transmission? Could something be loose or shrinking enough not to trip the interlock switch in cold weather? Once truck is good and warmed up, the problem goes away for the rest of the day, unless it sits long enough to get dead stone cold. Usually it will not start in Park or Neutral, but on occasion Neutral will work when Park does not. Would appreciate any insights or suggestions on how to proceed.
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: W-S
'86 Ranger Cold no start
If you bypassed (junpered) the selinoid and it worked, then it's the selinoid. As far as I know theres only the one. I've never tinkered with a 2.3 but I can't think of a reason for a second relay for the starter.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
From: Harrisburg USA
'86 Ranger Cold no start
They weren't too complicated in '86. My '85 has a problem with the safety neutral switch (interlock). It will often do exactly what you're referring to. If it is THAT switch that fails, the starter solenoid (or starter "relay") won't even click. When mine acts up, I hold the ignition switch in the start position with one hand, while moving the shifter about with the other hand, in either park or neutral (just move the shifter back & forth while locked in ... don't actually make it travel through the gears). It will "bump" the safety neutral switch, eventually triggering it. If you do this, and have NO LUCK AT ALL, then I would suspect the solenoid itself (or possibly a bad connection somewhere in between). Try that, and let us know if it works.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 265
Likes: 2
From: Cleveland
'86 Ranger Cold no start
Sorry not to come back for so long, but finally chased the bug out with a junkyard connector for the neutral interlock switch and the Ohm meter. Bout a month now and starts everytime. Thanks for all the help, suggestions and sympathy.
