Starter problems

[Joethafarmer]

I put a engine with less miles in my 99 ranger 3.0 and I got it to run but only by using the screw driver to starter trick so the starter definitely has power, the wiring harness was from this new engine I put in, my only problem is when I turn the key it won't make the starter turn over but I know it's not the ignition because the old engine started fine, I just can't seem to figure it out, I could put the old harness in if I need to but I thought I'd ask if anyone knew anything about it before I do all that work


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[RonD]

Manual or automatic trans?

Since the 1980's there is a safety switch on the clutch pedal or shift linkage(automatic), that needs to be Closed or the 12volts from the ignition switch(key turned to START) won't get to the Starter Relay to activate starter motor.

For manual trans the switch is on the clutch pedals push rod, when clutch pedal is down all the way the switch is pushed closed and will pass power from ignition switch to starter relay.

For automatic it is the NSS(neutral safety switch), it sits in the transmission just above shift linkage, it is also for the reverse lights so will have 4 or 5 wires.
Trans shifter must be in Park or Neutral for switch to be closed and pass the power to starter relay

Starter relay on a '99 should be IN the starter motor, so starter motor should have one large cable hooked up, the battery cable, and then a smaller wire hooked up to a small post on the starter, thats the wire that comes from the clutch switch or NSS, and has 12volts when key is turned to START.


Also why the new wiring harness?
What year is the harness from?

Newer Rangers had a newer PATS system that added a second starter relay that would disable the starter motor.
1999 didn't have that feature, just fuel was disabled
Not sure if that second relay wiring was in the engine harness though

 

[Joethafarmer]

It is an automatic and the engine was bought from a roll over and is completely fine and runs, the wiring harness was already attached to it so we thought we could just leave it, it's also a 99


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[Joethafarmer]

Also the wires hooking up to it were left in truck because the can disconnect from the rest of harness


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[jeremysdad]

Sounds like wires were cut that didn't need to be.

Lots of unneeded splicing.

Should have been (judging 99 motor to 99 truck): Unplug sensors from bad motor in good truck, pull motor from bad truck with good motor. Remove sensor plugs from bad truck's motor. Install good motor. Plug in sensors. Running truck.

Inertia switch? Empty fuel rail.

 

[Joethafarmer]

Thanks for all of your help, it turned out to be the nss


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