• Welcome Visitor! Please take a few seconds and Register for our forum. Even if you don't want to post, you can still 'Like' and react to posts.

1989 Ranger starter problem


DavDidIt

New Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2023
Messages
3
City
Arcadia Community, NC 27012
Vehicle Year
1989
Transmission
Manual
My 1989 Ford Ranger starter (2.9 4x4 manual) only works rarely and I suspect a mechanic tried to get it to work but maybe installed the wrong starter. I am having a really difficult time removing it. Sometimes I can get it to start when I pound on it (shameful, I know) but most of the time I have to push it off. Then my truck runs. It seems like it is not hitting the flywheel properly. I'm not sure which starter I am supposed to have since the one on it has a cone on it, but when I look it up under genuine Ford Ranger parts, it doesn't have the cone and I can't see how it will fit. When I do find a starter online that has the cone, it seems to fit a range of trucks and I'm not sure about that. Due to the age of my truck, I prefer to find a used starter. I might need the flywheel too, I don't know. Two mechanics have not been able to fix the issue and pushing it off is often very inconvenient as well as tiring!
 
This is the starter I took off... right or wrong part?
Ranger starter 1.jpg
Ranger starter 1.jpgRanger starter 2.jpgRanger starter 3.jpg
 
Welcome to TRS :)

Looks like the right model but not something you can tell just from a picture

Yes, 2.9l starters had lots of issues as these engines got older and new parts scarcer

Yes, you need a starter for 1989 2.9l manual trans, 1986 to 1991 2.9l were the same
Used and rebuilt starters usually have worn bolt holes so starter doesn't always line up properly, but that causes grinding noise NOT a no crank

Tapping on a starter motor to get it to working means the brushes inside are worn out, they are sticking in their holders so can't make good contact with the rotor(part that spins)
Can also be the starter relay on the inner fender is not working reliably, often called starter solenoid

Starter for your year should look like this: https://cdn11.bigcommerce.com/s-35f...12/406663/apisjxxsb__34158.1620685553.jpg?c=2

2.9l didn't get this type until last year in 1992: https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0vEAAOSwRYZfocfE/s-l1600.jpg

You can rewire to use either but best to stay with stock model
 
Have a good look at the larger battery cable from relay to starter motor
Give the ends a good brush, wire brush, and look for a whitish powder where cable part and the ends attach, it means cable is corroded inside insulation so needs to be replaced
 

Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad

TRS Events

Member & Vendor Upgrades

For a small yearly donation, you can support this forum and receive a 'Supporting Member' banner, or become a 'Supporting Vendor' and promote your products here. Click the banner to find out how.

Recently Featured

Want to see your truck here? Share your photos and details in the forum.

Ranger Adventure Video

TRS Merchandise

Follow TRS On Instagram

TRS Sponsors


Sponsored Ad


Sponsored Ad


Amazon Deals

Sponsored Ad

Back
Top