1984 ford ranger 4x4 2.8 v6 has power but will not engage the starter.

[Tyler uppy]

I am having an issue with my ranger where the battery is charged, lights and all accessories have power. However, when I put the key in the ignition and try to start the truck it gives me a seatbelt light as well as a brake light that comes on in the dashboard when I turn the key. Turning the key has zero effect on the stater or anything else. I have recently taken the engine bay apart a little bit to remove the carburetor and rebuild it. the truck previously cranked and started under its own power and now is having this issue after I re installed the carb and vacuum lines ETC. The truck is a 1984 ford ranger 4x4 2.8l v6. Please help

 

[97RangerXLT]

Welcome to TRS!

If I were to guess, you probably tripped the fuel inertia switch somehow (passenger side footwell, on the firewall) if that checks, look at the fender starter relay, maybe you bumped and broke a wire?

AJ

 

[Tyler uppy]

Welcome to TRS!

If I were to guess, you probably tripped the fuel inertia switch somehow (passenger side footwell, on the firewall) if that checks, look at the fender starter relay, maybe you bumped and broke a wire?

AJ

Thanks a lot, I will report back after work.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

2.8 has a mechanical fuel pump and thus has no inertia kill switch.

Make sure the starter relay has the small trigger wire hooked up to it. It should follow the large cable from the post of your battery.

Mine has a red rubber elbow that clicks on to the trigger post of the relay. Another thing is to check and make sure for sure your truck is in neutral.

 

[Tyler uppy]

will it not start in park? thanks for the help.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

will it not start in park? thanks for the help.

Neutral or park, just make sure it isn't in gear is what I meant.

 

[SenorNoob]

Actually, being auto, sometime neutral works when park doesn't if the linkage or switch shits out of place or wears.

 

[sirgrumpsalot]

Does a 2000 Ranger have a fuel inertia switch? My starter spins but doesn't engage flywheel. Just came out one day and this was happening. Sounds like I should check grounds and voltage through battery cable. Anything else? I saw some other post that talked about checking the windshield wiper power -- if they don't work then the ground on the firewall needs attention. Any truth to that? Another post talked about unplugging the MAF and trying to start? This is an automatic transmission. Won't start in neutral either.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

If the starter spins but doesn't turn the engine over then the over-running clutch drive in the starter is fubar (Bendix). Fairly simple to replace in old starters, but I don't know about yours.