1988 Ranger not turning over

[amg_520]

I have a 1988 ranger with a 2.3. It recently stopped turning over so I have just jumped the solenoid for the last week. It is starting to be a pain so I would like to fix it. I tried a new clutch safety switch to no avail. I checked and sometimes I get power to the soleniod post but not always. i put a new solenoid on it and that didnt work. I was wondering if anyone has had this problem or knows how it can be fixed. The next thing I was thinking was possibly the ignition switch. Thanks for the help.

 

[Mark_88]

I take it this a FI setup...not carbed...did you change the solenoid already?

If you did and there is no start, check the little red boot connector on the side...that should be connected to the solenoid...if it is not, your engine will not start...and I'm not even sure what it's called but I had that problem with both my Tempo and Ranger...and make sure the connector inside the boot is clean...

If that's not the problem and it does start when you jump the solenoid then you may have yet another bad solenoid...I went through two of them one time as the first one actually cracked while tightening the connectors and I didn't see it at first...

 

[amg_520]

The only problem with the solenoid idea is that I used one off of a van I have and it still didnt work but works fine on the van. I am still at a loss I guess

 

[Mark_88]

So you turn the key and nothing at all happens?

And if you jump the solenoid then it will start? Might need a bit more elaboration on that part...

 

[shadetree]

With the truck transmission in neutral, e brake on, jumper the ignition switch terminal on the relay(solenoid) to the battery hot side. If the starter turns the engine, and does it every time contact is made, the relay is good as are starter and battery connections.

The problem would then lie with the ignition switch, clutch interlock switch, or wiring to the relay.

Wire color from the ignition switch to the clutch interlock switch is rd/lt blu. And from the clutch interlock to the starter relay is also rd/lt blu. This wire also splits off and goes to the TFI module, so don't get sidetracked.


If not, make sure the relay is securely mounted to the fender. The relay grounds thru the mounting bolt. If all is well, all cable connections are clean and tight, the battery is good, then the relay is probably bad. Good luck. shady