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88 cranking issue


fyre82

Member
Firefighter
TRS Banner 2012-2015
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689
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Location
Lake Almanor, Ca.
Vehicle Year
1988/2000
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.9/4.0
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
9" on the 2000, 6" on the '88
Tire Size
265/75/16, 31x10.50x15
My credo
The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime
My '88 ranger 2.9, manual, has been suffering with a cranking issue.
I turn the key, the lights go out like they do when it starts, the starter does nothing. If I leave the key on in neutral I can jump the solenoid and it fires right off.
This started last spring, I suffered with it for awhile, changed the solenoid, bat terminals, etc. Out of the blue it started working with the key, went that way until I parked it under cover for the winter. This spring, same deal, won't turn over with the key.
Everything in the column works correctly, I cleaned the main loom connection under the hood, pulled and checked the supply wire for the starter and it tested out fine. Cleaned all the connections I can think of.
Once it cranks everything works as it should.

What am I missing?
Thanks
Rich
 


RonD

Official TRS AI
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Location
canada
Vehicle Year
1994
Make / Model
Ford
Transmission
Manual
Manual or automatic?

Both have a "neutral switch" which must be CLOSED to pass "key in START voltage" on to starter relay(solenoid)

Manuals have a Clutch pedal switch, clutch pedal must be down all the way
1988 Automatics have an NSS(neutral safety switch) on the transmission, shifter on transmission must be in Park or Neutral

I assume you have a manual from the "I put it in Neutral" comment
Clutch switch is on the pushrod on the clutch pedal arm, could just be loose

Diagram here: https://www.justanswer.com/ford/213mi-clutch-interlock-switch-1988-ford-ranger.html

You can also bypass the switch, google: Ford ranger bypass clutch pedal switch


Power path
battery---------ignition switch in START(12volts)------------clutch switch-------------------"S" post on starter relay(solenoid)
 
Last edited:

fyre82

Member
Firefighter
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
689
Reaction score
6
Points
18
Location
Lake Almanor, Ca.
Vehicle Year
1988/2000
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.9/4.0
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
9" on the 2000, 6" on the '88
Tire Size
265/75/16, 31x10.50x15
My credo
The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime
Lol Ron, its a little of both...
Its a converted manual with an auto brain, so it has both the clutch and neutral switch.
The interlock has crossed my mind, that thing is a p i t a. I'll have a look at that :icon_idea:

Thanks,
Rich :haha:
 

fyre82

Member
Firefighter
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
689
Reaction score
6
Points
18
Location
Lake Almanor, Ca.
Vehicle Year
1988/2000
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.9/4.0
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
9" on the 2000, 6" on the '88
Tire Size
265/75/16, 31x10.50x15
My credo
The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime
I went through the YouTube stuff, did the bypass for the clutch switch, no joy there. I have a new solenoid, will put that in and a main wire to the starter since I have one of those and go from there.


Thanks
Rich
 

fyre82

Member
Firefighter
TRS Banner 2012-2015
Joined
Dec 1, 2007
Messages
689
Reaction score
6
Points
18
Location
Lake Almanor, Ca.
Vehicle Year
1988/2000
Make / Model
Ford
Engine Size
2.9/4.0
2WD / 4WD
4WD
Total Lift
9" on the 2000, 6" on the '88
Tire Size
265/75/16, 31x10.50x15
My credo
The memories of a man in his old age are the deeds of a man in his prime
New solenoid was just a new part, no change.
I've jumped the clutch switch, neutral switch.

There is power from the switch, none at the clutch switch.
I put in a button to the solenoid. At least now I don't have to get under the hood every time I want to start.


Strange coincidence?
My neighbor just had the same problem arise in his newer Dodge after a clutch rod issue. He installed a button too as we couldn't trace the issue there either.


I'll bet this is silly stupid to fix, I just ain't seeing the solution.
Any other suggestions are welcome.


Thanks
Rich
 

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