Starting Issue..2.3 5spd HELP PLEASE!!!

[dandeman]

I have a 1990 ranger with 2.3 with a 5spd. Last week it wouldnt start when pushing in the clutch. So i bypassed the clutch saftey switch and it was working fine till the next week today on lunch break it wouldnt start, but it will start when push starting it. When i turn the ignition there is power the blower motor comes on and stero comes on and i can hear the fuel pump come on. But once i turn the ignition to start it nothing happens. I am stumped and need help cause this is my only means of transportation\.

 

[Mark_88]

Do you still have the clutch switch by-passed? I had to redo mine a few times because it the jumper wire kept coming out of the slot...I eventually taped it solid with electrical tape and haven't had a problem since...

There is also a little wire on the starter solenoid (if you have one on the passenger side fender) that can cause the starter to simply not respond...it is a little boot (either red or black) that fits over the stud...if it gets loose or corroded the truck (my 89 Tempo was notorious for this) will not start...move that boot around and try the starter (best if you just crimp it with plyers)...

Oh, and the ground wire from the starter can also be loose...comes off with vibration so trace it back down to the starter and tighten the bolt that holds it in place...

 

[dandeman]

ya i still have it bypassed it worked fine for awhile. I was thinking it mite be that ignition module that the rod is hooked to from the ignition switch, It really dont make any sense to me. If push started it will start everytime. But when it does start i dont have to depress the clutch pedal to make it start so i think that is working fine. They push started me to drive it home, and once i got home i killed it and it didnt do anything. At 6:30 i went out to try it again and it started fine. Its weird...

 

[Mark_88]

My first Ranger was like that sometimes...I had a regular routine of going around checking bolts and wires to make sure they were all tight...probably did it about once a week or so because I hated that * * when you turn the key...

 

[dandeman]

ya i hate it too it pisses me off. But i reallly have no time to work on it beside on my break since i work from 8-5 its pretty much dark here by then. It sounds like its a easy problem, but figuring it out is the tricky part.

 

[Mark_88]

Yeah, that's the annoying thing...it's always something simple...like there should be a computer screen that shows circuit drain, break, and short...why they can't come up with that is really beyond me...other than the fact that they (manufacturers) are more concerned with the service market making money from our dilemmas...