I have a '95 2.3 liter Ranger. It wouldn't start today. I can jumper across the starter relay on the driver side wall and it starts no problem. There is a small red wire that comes to the starter relay that I assume comes from the ignition switch. I would expect that normally, with the ignition in the 'start' position, I would be able to measure 12v on this wire so it would activate the starter relay. There is no voltage there. When I put the key/ignition to 'start' I don't hear a thing but the dashboard lights do react. (The Brake light comes on and the ABS light dims, so I know the 'start' position is doing something). I took the ignition key tumbler out and realized that the pole down the center of the tumbler reaches deeper into the steering wheel and the actual ignition switch must be all the way inside. The question is; Are there any components between the ignition switch and the starter relay that could have failed?

There is another part; the neutral safety switch. ie- automatic tranny or standard tranny safety switch. This only lets it start when in neutral, park, or when the clutch is pushed in. It sounds like the electronic part of the ignition switch, but if you find the neutral safety switch, you can make a jumper wire to fool the system and verify if it is or is not the neutral safety switch. Ryan

Thanks for your reply. I put in a new starter relay, still doesn't start. I used my Haynes manual and checked continuity across the ignition switch tabs and that checks out OK. I don't get a 12 volt reading at the little red wire on the starter solenoid when trying to start. This is a standard transmission. It doesn't start when it is in gear and the cluch is depressed. It also doesn't start in neutral with the cluch up. Wouldn't this rule out both switches?

Stevo, If the neutral safety switch is bad, your starting system will think the clutch is never pushed in, thus not sending voltage to the little red solenoid wire. Did the truck start before with the transmission in neutral and without the clutch pushed in?? If it did, then I am clueless. Check and see if there is a switch around your clutch pedal arm or linkage up under the dash. If you find one, connect the ohm meter to the wires and push either the switch or the clutch pedal in (depending on how the switch is set up). The switch should be normally open or normally closed... so as the thing is moved you should see a change from little resistance to infinite resistance or vice-versa. If there is no change, I would assume it is bad. Ironically, I have never even worked on a Ranger. haha I have however worked in auto parts for 4 or so years, and spent plenty of time tinkerin' Keep me up to date on your progress, I'll try to help as much as I can!

First thing I would do is check the timing and replace distributor Mod (there a cheap fix) while your there check the stator to see what kind of shape its in. If that doesn't do it check your fuel pressure. You may have a leak some where in the fuel line(letting air in) most likely at the connector. It sounds to me more like a timing issue. Hows you fuel consumption? have you noticed a drop in mpg.

 elkon67

Timing could be a consideration, but I adjusted it (without any timing equpiment though) when I replaced the timing belt. I think something with fuel delivery may be the answer. I am going to check that. When I replaced the fuel filter, for the first week or so the car seemed to wanna start on the first cranking cycle, or at least tried. I smell no fuel, so I doubt its a leak, but maybe a restriction? But something with fuel does make sense, since once running it has to warm up for a minute or so or wants to hesitate/stall. As far as MPG: roughly 25mpg (was wondering why such good gas mileage...maybe running on air..lol) Thanks again and I'll let you know. Any more suggestions? (whrere to look) Evan

Could there be a vacuum leak? Have you also looked at the oxygen sensor and/or the throttle position sensor? The oxygen sensor doesn't come into play until the engine is at normal operating temperature (and running in closed loop mode). So, if it's a cold start problem, I doubt the oxygen sensor would be an issue. One other sensor to check is the temperature sensor. A friend of mine had a Saturn with a failed temperature sensor. He had a really bad cold start problem, and lots of drivability problems. The best thing to do is get a good scanner (if you have OBD II, get a scanner that can query the sensor values, not just pull trouble codes). It's cheaper to test than blindly replace, and with the number of expensive sensors you're up against, it's better to know than blindly change parts. Good luck, Joe

Getting that good of gas milage would lead me to believe your timing is off. your probable not getting enough fuel thru (running way to lean) I would strongly reccomend getting a timing light and checking it out. Dont forget to disconnect the Advance when you set it. Ill bet this resolves your problem 

 elkon67

First thing I would do is check the timing and replace distributor Mod (there a cheap fix) while your there check the stator to see what kind of shape its in. If that doesn't do it check your fuel pressure. You may have a leak some where in the fuel line(letting air in) most likely at the connector. It sounds to me more like a timing issue. Hows you fuel consumption? have you noticed a drop in mpg.

 elkon67

Timing could be a consideration, but I adjusted it (without any timing equpiment though) when I replaced the timing belt. I think something with fuel delivery may be the answer. I am going to check that. When I replaced the fuel filter, for the first week or so the car seemed to wanna start on the first cranking cycle, or at least tried. I smell no fuel, so I doubt its a leak, but maybe a restriction? But something with fuel does make sense, since once running it has to warm up for a minute or so or wants to hesitate/stall. As far as MPG: roughly 25mpg (was wondering why such good gas mileage...maybe running on air..lol) Thanks again and I'll let you know. Any more suggestions? (whrere to look) Evan

Could there be a vacuum leak? Have you also looked at the oxygen sensor and/or the throttle position sensor? The oxygen sensor doesn't come into play until the engine is at normal operating temperature (and running in closed loop mode). So, if it's a cold start problem, I doubt the oxygen sensor would be an issue. One other sensor to check is the temperature sensor. A friend of mine had a Saturn with a failed temperature sensor. He had a really bad cold start problem, and lots of drivability problems. The best thing to do is get a good scanner (if you have OBD II, get a scanner that can query the sensor values, not just pull trouble codes). It's cheaper to test than blindly replace, and with the number of expensive sensors you're up against, it's better to know than blindly change parts. Good luck, Joe

Getting that good of gas milage would lead me to believe your timing is off. your probable not getting enough fuel thru (running way to lean) I would strongly reccomend getting a timing light and checking it out. Dont forget to disconnect the Advance when you set it. Ill bet this resolves your problem 

 elkon67