Ford Ranger won't start, doesn't appear to be a battery or fuel problem?

Question

My 1998 Ford Ranger has me guessing at a problem again.

This morning, when I attempted to start it to go to work, it wouldn't start. It wouldn't even attempt to start. The headlights looked bright, the radio worked, and all the warning lights were on as normal, but the car won't turn over. After being advised to, I tried to jump start it, and jumping it had no effect. It is a stick shift, and my best guess is that the safety switch that prevents you from starting with the clutch engaged has jammed or failed.

My questions:
What else could the problem potentially be?
How would I find and test the previously mentioned clutch safety switch? Once I find it, is there a way to bypass it so I can test it to make sure it is indeed the problem?

Answer 1

Try jumping the starter solenoid.

Answer 2

Ford Ranger Starting Problems

Answer 3

hey Todd,

If there is no clicking sound of any kind,and no power drain(dash lights

dimming),its not getting power to the solenoid. probable causes in

order of significance:

1)blown fuse-check ALL of the fuses.

2)bad connection - usually the one at the starter fails first.

the smaller wire to the solenoid.(check all)

3)failed clutch switch,or neutral switch-these can be jumped.

Warning,car will start 'in gear'

4)ignition switch-if you have a 'tilt wheel',try raising,lowering,centering

the wheel.if this doesn't help, the switch itself needs to be replaced

or you can wire an outboard push button for starting.

5)if you have checked this far, the solenoid has failed.

also,if it's been freezing where your at,water may get into the starter

or solenoid keeping them from working.

g-luck Dan

Answer 4

On the starter there is a small push on connector, this is the switch wire and applying voltage to this will by pass everything else. If the starter still doesn't work it is a faulty starter.



Be very careful and make double sure the vehicle is in nuetral and be careful hitting the starter. Modern starters have ferrite magnets in them that are super brittle and can be broken. If the starter looks very skinny, it's got ferrite magnets.

Answer 5

You put the thing in neutral and short the starter or the starter solenoid. If you have the key on it should actually start and run.

Answer 6

just give the starter a decent hit with a hammer if it turns over it is the starter sometimes there's a dead area in the starter and when its hit it will turn over if it does its the starter the switch you are talking about is the neutral safety switch

Answer 7

Do you even hear a click when you turn the key? Unfortunately, this could be the starter.

Answer 8

1

Answer 9

Check the fuel rail and find the fitting to check the fuel pressure and see if you are getting fuel and pressure there. If not then check the filter and I also believe that one has 2 pumps. A low pressure one in the tank and a high pressure one on the frame. If you are getting fuel at the rail then check for spark.

Answer 10

same wit my f 150. theres a little gear that connects the cable tht goes to the starter from the key switch. try tht

Answer 11

dosn't sound like its your clutch safety switch.i had one go bad in a 1985 camaro i just rolled it down a hill to start it.till i found out the thing was just loose.it was located on the upper part of the clutch peddle.i think you have a rusty connection somewhere.good lucky