1989 Ranger 2.9 no crank no start.

[Tmart]

I have a 1989 Ranger with a 2.9 L. Will not crank with the key, but I am getting signal through the S terminal on the solenoid. I can jump across solenoid, and it will crank, but will not start. Solenoid has good ground to the fender. Clutch position center has already been bypassed so that’s not the issue. Tried running a ground from the battery to the block didn’t help. As I said, I have 12 V to the S terminal but, when checking with a multimeter and turning the key, I am getting nothing on the starter side of the solenoid, which is new.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I have a 1989 Ranger with a 2.9 L. Will not crank with the key, but I am getting signal through the S terminal on the solenoid. I can jump across solenoid, and it will crank, but will not start. Solenoid has good ground to the fender. Clutch position center has already been bypassed so that’s not the issue. Tried running a ground from the battery to the block didn’t help. As I said, I have 12 V to the S terminal but, when checking with a multimeter and turning the key, I am getting nothing on the starter side of the solenoid, which is new.

Just cause its a new solenoid dont mean its a good solenoid

 

[SenorNoob]

Agreed. That's really the only thing it can be from your description.

Which really sucks cause every parts store at least in my town now has a sign on the door. "All electrical parts sold as is. No returns."

Not sure how enforceable that is since they offer extended warranties on alternators...

 

[Tmart]

This is the second new one I have tried. But I don’t know what else it could be.

 

[Silas Mc]

Did you jump the solenoid with the key in the ON position?

 

[Tmart]

Yes, I did

 

[Silas Mc]

Maybe apply 12v to the s terminal manually? Like other comments it really sounds like a faulty solenoid...

 

[Tmart]

I tried that. I’m going to try a third solenoid as soon as the parts store opens today.

 

[Tmart]

Well, third time is kind of a charm. Problem now is it turns over as soon as I turn the key to the on position. Pretty sure I’ve got a short. Thanks for the replies.

 

[SenorNoob]

That's awful but at least you got it.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

Well, third time is kind of a charm. Problem now is it turns over as soon as I turn the key to the on position. Pretty sure I’ve got a short. Thanks for the replies.

Look real hard at your ignition switch

 

[Tmart]

Look real hard at your ignition switch

I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch. I still have power going to the S cable as soon as I turned the power on. That wire is shorted to another hot wire somewhere. I just have to find it. Or, just bypass it and put a starter button in.

 

[rusty ol ranger]

I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch. I still have power going to the S cable as soon as I turned the power on. That wire is shorted to another hot wire somewhere. I just have to find it. Or, just bypass it and put a starter button in.

Try to find the problem and fix the original wire. Just my personal opinion but doing that stuff drives me more nuts then just fixing it right lol

 

[RobbieD]

Try to find the problem and fix the original wire. Just my personal opinion but doing that stuff drives me more nuts then just fixing it right lol

I agree with that 1000%.

I went ahead and replaced the ignition switch.

To the OP: Did you replace the electrical ignition switch, where the wiring harness plugs in, or did you replace the mechanical ignition switch where the key goes?

If in fact the start circuit is shorted to the ignition circuit, which fits your symptom description, about the only place that that can even occur, is at the electrical ignition switch.

 

[Tmart]

I agree with that 1000%.




To the OP: Did you replace the electrical ignition switch, where the wiring harness plugs in, or did you replace the mechanical ignition switch where the key goes?

If in fact the start circuit is shorted to the ignition circuit, which fits your symptom description, about the only place that that can even occur, is at the electrical ignition switch.

Yes, I replaced the electrical switch