2.3L ('83-'97) No crank no start after replacing timing belt.

[Kailash]

I’m pretty darn sure I’d aligned timing correctly. I went to test it beforere assembling everything and nothing it’s neither cranking or starting. I replaced the starter relay on the fender and still nothing. I’m going to replace the relay in the distributor box as well as starter if it come to it.
Could bad timing cause a no crank no start.
could it be something with crank or cam sensors

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

No, the timing belt replacement can't cause the no starter motor activation, no cranking

I assume all the lights on the dash come on with Key On, like they should?

Starter motor activation is a separate system
Key turned to START(12volt out)---(fuse 24)-------neutral switch--------------------starter relay--------starter motor

No computer or anything else involved

On a manual trans the Neutral switch is on the clutch pedal, clutch pedal needs to be down all the way to activate starter

You should hear the Starter Relay on the inner fender "click" if the 12volts is making that far
If no "click" then check Fuse #24 in cab fuse box


On the Starter relay the smaller post with "S" next to it is to activate the relay
MAKE SURE TRANSMISSION IS IN NEUTRAL

Use a jumper wire from Battery Positive and touch it to this smaller post
Relay should "click" and Starter should activate, even IN GEAR so BE CAREFUL

That will test if relay and starter motor are both working
If you get the "click" but no starter motor then starter is bad or relay was miswired

 

[scotts90ranger]

When you changed the timing belt did you disconnect the battery like a Haynes manual would have you do? If so, did you miss any wires when hooking it back up? There's a computer ground on the battery ground connector that is likely separate if someone has changed the battery cable... on my '97 I haven't disconnected the battery since I put it in 3? years ago, including when I changed the alternator twice...

For the rest, listen to Ron, I'm mostly thinking about the dumb things that are easy to overlook, Ron thinks of the smart stuff

 

[Kailash]

Hey thanks to both of you! After loosing my mind all day I decided to get new battery cable ends and it started up.

 

[Kailash]

you mentioned no computer isn’t involved in the start motor. Hanes seems to indicate that the pcm intervenes before the relay?

 

[RonD]

No, not in 1996, 1999 and up V6 Ranger will have PATS(passive anti-theft system), PATS can prevent starter from activating
4cyl Rangers didn't get PATS until mid-2001 with the change to the 2.3l DOHC Duratec engine

Also any Ford or 3rd party alarm system will usually have a "starter interrupt" circuit to prevent starter activation if alarm is set off

 

[Kailash]

Thanks. Do you have any recommendations for more in-depth or year specific manuals?

 

[RonD]

Every year Ford makes a "Shop Manual Set" for every model they make
These Sets are sent out to every Ford Dealer, every year so their Techs can troubleshoot problems
And the Sets can be purchased by Auto repair shops or anyone really

One of the manuals in that set is the EVTM, electrical vacuum troubleshooting manual, in 1999 it was renamed "Wiring Diagrams", just FYI
These are often sold separately on line, ebay usually
Like this one: https://www.ebay.com/itm/283418404866

Covers all wiring for all models of 1996 Rangers and all options

And they are FREE to use
You buy it
Use it
Sell it

There is always a market to resell these

 

[Kailash]

Thanks a bunch I’ll definitely be getting that