2.3L ('83-'97) 1996 2.3 Manual Won't Start w/ Key

[jabroke]

Hey guys new here,

Wanted to start by saying I've done quite a bit of searching but can't seem to find a fix.

I recently bought a 96 Ranger with the 2.3 manual. The day after I bought it I went out to start it and nothing but a click coming from the starter relay (mounted on the driver inner fender). I knocked on the starter with a jack handle and it would fire right up. This would happen randomly but now I can't get the truck to start at all.

Now I am not getting even a click to the starter relay. The little red igniter wire on the starter relay is not getting power from the ignition system. I have check the following:


Ignition Switch (is getting power from the battery and sending 12v out)
Clutch Interlock Switch (replaced new)


If I run a jumper wire to the starter relay directly from the battery the truck starts right up. Seem to be getting a no crank issue from somewhere in the ignition system.

Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
James

 

[Alan_nc]

There should be a whole series of posts about ignition switch problems. Maybe one of the monitors can point you to them.

 

[Uncle Gump]

OP states power to ignition and power out... probably not the ignition switch.

Try bypassing the clutch switch all together using a jumper... ensure it's in Neutral beforehand.

If that doesn't work... check the crank wire from relay to clutch switch and clutch switch to ignition.

I would also ensure battery connections are clean and tight... both ends.

 

[Curious Hound]

So, do you have 12volts at the clutch interlock switch? And does the 12 volts pass through the switch when you depress the clutch?

 

[jabroke]

This is the wiring diagram that I was able to find on the pin to the clutch switch. I believe I am supposed to run a jumper between Pins 5 & 6. When I did that I still got nothing. Still not getting a click at the relay. I have 12v at pin 3 but no voltage at the other pins. This leads me to believe that I have a problem with the wire coming out of the ignition and into pin 6?

Thanks for the responses and looking forward to getting this thing fixed.

 

[tomw]

Pin 6 should get 12V(battery B+) when the ignition key is in the START position.
I would remove the steering column plastic cover and inspect visually the ignition switch. If the old design, it is down the column a bit from the lock cylinder, operated by a push rod. Some of them start to come apart with age. Look for that and make sure the connector is seated in the switch. You should find a R/LB wire leading from the switch, I suspect the input to pin 6 of the clutch switch. Check it for B+ when moving the key to START. Most column covers come apart, with ~3 Philips from underneath and maybe a clip or connector at another spot. Most times they can be wiggled out without dropping the column.
tom

 

[jabroke]

I am not getting 12v at Pin 6 however I am getting 12v at the R/LB wire coming out of the ignition switch. This leads me to believe that there is a break somewhere in the wire?