97' ranger ignition trouble

[RustRatz]

1997 Ford ranger 4.0 auto

replaced ignition switch and starter solenoid
have had starter tested, tested good.
battery is less than a year old

doesn't start off the key but does crank over by bumping the solenoid.
doesn't even click, just doesn't do anything when key is turned to start position.

all accessories work, such as radio and headlights.

I'm stumped at this point

 

[SenorNoob]

Neutral safety switch?

Keep pressure on the brake pedal and wiggle shifter while trying to start. Might shift to neutral and wiggle there as well.

 

[Curious Hound]

doesn't start off the key but does crank over by bumping the solenoid.

When you say this, are you referring to the starter solenoid (the lump on the side of the starter motor) Or the starter relay, mounted on the inner fender in the engine bay?

next thing to check is to see if the key switch is sending 12volts to the small terminal on the starter relay when you turn the key to the start position. I believe that is usually a small red wire with blue stripe. But I don’t have the diagram in front of me.