Before I burn it down, Help!!!

[PthFndr]

So my starter went out and now no start. Replaced starter, Interlock, Ignition switch and Lock cylinder. No fusible links blown. I can roll and pop the clutch, and it will fire right up if I jump it at the solenoid behind the battery. But turning the key NADA. I have checked all wiring and connections cannot find a reason for it. Was doing great until starter went out.

 

[RonD]

Welcome to TRS

Just to cover all the bases
1988 Ranger with manual transmission

The power(12volt) path for starter activation is like this

Ignition switch(turned to START)----------clutch pedal switch------------------("S" post)starter relay on inner fender

If you unplug/unhook the "S" post wire on start relay and then put a jumper from battery positive to the "S" post starter relay should activate and then starter motor
It that what you mean by "jump the solenoid"(its actually just a relay, but often called starter solenoid, just FYI)

If giving the "S" post(NOT the "I" post) 12volts works then problem is with the "S" post wire that comes from clutch switch

 

[PthFndr]

Running a jumper from the 12v to the starter top to bottom

 

[RonD]

Picture of common Ford inner fender mounted relay(solenoid): https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41zvAJwiQpL._AC_SY355_.jpg

Different style seen here: https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/519+A9GbL7L._AC_SY355_.jpg
This one is a 4 post

The Smaller silver post is the "S" post, even has an "S" stamped into the plastic
Some have a 4th post, the "I" post, that is no longer used, just FYI, these are ALWAYS labelled with an S or an I

When the "S" post gets 12v the relay closes and connects the two larger posts together, sending battery voltage to the starter motor

So "S" post wire is connected to clutch switch and then to ignition switch
This should be a red/blue striped wire

So use jumper wire from battery positive to "S" post, relay should "click" closed and starter should activate
If it doesn't "click" then its a bad relay OR........not Grounded to the metal fender, remove and clean bolts so starter relay's base has a good ground

Just a heads up
The larger posts on these relays have no "designation" but there will be a large Battery Positive cable on one of these posts, the post with battery positive cable will have several other wires with it on that one post, this is the 12volt distribution point for the WHOLE VEHICLE, just FYI
The other large post will have JUST ONE cable, to starter motor, just one and ONLY one wire on that post

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

From the big terminal (red) that is the battery positive run a small jumper wire to the small terminal (blue, will have an s stamped beside it). Be prepared to pull the jumper quickly.

In emergency situations I have been known to use a large screwdriver to jump from one red terminal to another. Be careful, there is enough current flowing to weld the screwdriver to the post, and or harm you in more than one way.

 

[PthFndr]

Solved.. So when the starter went, which was a new way for me, it actually blew that solenoid/relay. Put a spare on and it’s all good. I knew it was something simple but I just couldn’t step back and see it. Thanks.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Thanks for posting your fix. Glad it was simple.

 

[Eddo Rogue]

Sometimes you gotta walk away and come back to it. I cant tell you how many times the light bulb went off in my head soon as I walked away from it.

 

[Ranger850]

Welcome to TRS @PthFndr . Going by your profile name, cant wait to see your Nissan.

 

[superj]

Welcome!!!

 

[ekrampitzjr]

Welcome! Ford trucks from the '80s liked to blow certain relays and other electronics. Ask my brother about his old (long gone) '83 F-150 sometime... He always carried a spare ignition module.

 

[PthFndr]

So to follow up, it was just one of those issues that you end up being too close to. It’s back to purring. Picked this up last year off the original owner who drove it off the lot. 50,000 miles, barn kept and got it for a song. Was originally picking it up for my son to take to college, but gave him the F150 instead (he’s still not pumped about it). Takes me back to high school. Thanks for the welcomes. No Nissans in this hacienda. This Ranger pairs well with my 83 Hilux. Still on the lookout for a BII.