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94 ranger wont turn over


homefix

Member
Joined
Apr 27, 2012
Messages
21
City
Arizpna
Vehicle Year
1994
Transmission
Manual
OK my 1994 ford ranger wont start most of the time. I turn the key and may have to push the clutch in several times before the engine will turn over and start. I have a new battery and cables. I tried bypassing the switch on the clutch. I checked the connections at the battery and starter. When the key is turned and the clutch pushed in there is just one click, no turn over. What should I check next?

homefix
 
Welcome to The Ranger Station!


Rap on the starter itself with a large screwdriver handle.
If that makes the starter work, replace it.

In general, starters are hard-wired to the battery.
When you turn the key to Crank, the ignition switch routes power through your clutch switch to the solenoid on the fender. That solenoid is likely the click you are hearing.

From the solenoid, power is sent to the starter to engage an electromagnet and mechanically close a large switch inside the starter. That allows the power from the battery to turn the electrical starter motor and mechanically makes the gear (sometimes called a bendix gear) mesh with the flywheel.

In yours, the electromagnetic solenoid inside the starter is not making that full throw.
Many times, you can remove the starter (after disconnecting the Battery!) and douche it out and grease that gear's shaft that it slides on. May or may not help. The other common failure mode is the brushes get too short to make electrical contact and the motor never spins.

In short, I would remove the starter and have it tested at the auto parts store. It is possible to get new brushes. Inside the starter is not very complex. Getting the internal parts can be a bother.
 
94 ranger wont turn over: I was going to say get a forklift & TURN IT OVER, Haha
 
Ok I had the starter tested and thats not the problem. What next?
Thanks for the advice and laugh.

homefix
 
Likely bad actors are:

small cable from fender solenoid to starter (check to see if it gets 12v when the key is turned to Crank)
fender solenoid itself (I assume that is the click you are hearing)
large power cable to starter from battery
 
12.5 volts on the small wire to the starter with key turned to crank. Wire/cable from the battery to the starter is new.
Thanks so much for your guidance and your service to our country!
 
Yes.

It has two large posts.
One will have Bat+ 12v at all times.
The other will have 12v when the key is turned to Crank.

The power to activate the solenoid comes from the ignition switch (crank position) to clutch switch to the small post's wire.
 
OK beer thirty. More tomorrow. Anyone else love a Blue Moon with a slice of orange?

homefix
 
Is there not 2 large terminals on your starter? Do you have the new cable from the battery hooked to the correct terminal on the starter? Have you cleaned the battery posts, just having cables tight may still not be making good contact.
 
Cables and connectors at both ends are brand new and snug. Also cleaned the battery posts before new cable install. Cables are installed as the old ones were so yes they are correct. It will start sometimes but mostly just one click when I turn the key.

Thanks,

Homefix
 
sound like the inner fender starter relay
 
Last edited:

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