2.3L ('83-'97) 94 2.3 - starts only with solenoid bypass?

[RobbieD]

You need to to be able to test for voltage, like with a test light or a digital multimeter, to find the problem before just changing parts.

At the transmission switch you need to confirm, with key in the start position, that there's power on both the pink wire AND the red/lt blue wire. If there's no power on the red/lt blue, but there is on the pink wire, the transmission switch is bad. If there's no power on the pink wire, then your issue is farther up the circuit.

Connector C120 is another good testing point.

 

[tw205]

My bad!!! My wire diagram was for 93.

 

[gktbay]

It looks like the backup lights and neutral switch are the same device. Red with white strip is 12v in and red with light blue strip is out to starter relay. If it’s like my A4LD I believe it’s on the right side of the trans. I View attachment 98900

Getting back on this Ranger ... part arrived, heading out today with the wifey - my birthday meal and sweets. I will post results.

 

[RonD]

1994 2.3l will have an A4LD automatic
Neutral switch is on the left side, drivers side, above the shift rod

In the cab above where the Clutch pedal would be on a Manual trans vehicle is the Clutch safety switch By-Pass plug-in
6 pin long plug, 2 connectors plugged into each other
This connection sends the 12volts from "key in start" to the neutral switch on the A4LD, which then sends the 12v to the starter relay on the inner fender

Key in start(12v)-----by-pass connector------neutral switch-------starter relay

 

[gktbay]

Update:

1. With new part on hand, old part removal from trans hit a snag (photo provided) ... threaded portion broke away from the original switch, now in the transmission case. No room for easy access permitting my use of an extractor is determined.
2. The neutral safety / back up light switch is certainly problematic - not plunging freely as designed.

Game plan:

Confirmed ... switch replacement is priority.
Recent past, I located a much needed NOS front DS yoke (seal cut metal / enabling fluid loss).
While doing so, I made plans to replace the transmission tail shaft bushing and seal along with this NOS replacement part. Also, I obtained a filter, pan gasket and fluids to compliment those plans. I am adding a used OEM style Trans Cooler to the list of to do's.
Noted: Found all cables are doing just fine. Observed several other fluid leaking points - seal failures at levers. Yep, will do these also.

So ... transmission removal will take place to allow for easier access for the extraction of the switch's broken threaded portion. And all other to do's will be so much less hassle to accomplish.

Many thanks to each of you in responding to my forum plea for help!

 

[Josh B]

What ever happened to jumping the relay?

 

[gktbay]

What ever happened to jumping the relay?

Hah, push button start would have been easy also. I needed to get off my butt, do all the things that I’ve been putting off, now is a good time here in central Florida with the weather cooler finally

 

[Josh B]

My father had a 1st cousin near there. I was working over near Ocala and left my work truck and hopped on a bus to St Pete, maybe 75ish
I called, can't even remember her name now, but she didn't get around much so we just talked a bit and moved on.
I spent a couple of weekends in St Pete but never went much farther