Starting problems

[CSyd77]

Starter doesn't want to engage. Had it tested and passed 3/3 times. Tried to jump start with same result. Any thoughts?
93 Ranger 2wd automatic 3.0

 

[CSyd77]

Got it narrowed down to ignition switch or wiring to the starter. Got it started by jumping the solenoid.

 

[CSyd77]

Starts fine now after I jumped it. What the crap?

 

[Spott]

Gremlins. Check and clean all your grounds, the wires in your starting system, and the connectors. I recommend putting dielectric grease (bulb grease) on connectors, too.

Spott

Sent from my DROID BIONIC using Tapatalk

 

[RonD]

On the automatic transmission is an NSS(neutral safety switch).
Manuals have a Clutch switch.

When you turn the key to START, 12volts runs to NSS and then to starter solenoid, closing it and cranking the engine.

Battery--------Key-------NSS------Solenoid

For the NSS to be closed(passing 12volts) the transmission must be in Park or Neutral, holding the NSS closed.

A few things can happen:
NSS could be going bad
NSS connector could be loose
NSS is adjustable so could be out of adjustment
Transmission shift cable could be loose, so while it is going into park it might not be pushing the NSS in all the way.
Rangers have a common issue with automatic's shifter loosening up in the steering column

NSS is usually just above the shift linkage on the transmission
It can also be a combo switch that turns on the reverse lights as well

 

[CSyd77]

I think there might have been frost built up somewhere. I jumped the solenoid, let it warm up, and brought it home. Shut it off and it started just fine. I've even started it at least 5 times today.

 

[Chris_1]

Might have been a sticky solenoid

 

[CSyd77]

Still having issues with it. Got off of work, went to start it and it just clicked. Crawled under it with a screwdriver and jumped the solenoid and got it started. Thinking about replacing power wires... any thoughts?

 

[Spott]

My thought is:

Figure out what the problem is first, THEN replace the faulty part. I would test your solenoid first, as that's the part you're bypassing in order to get it started.

Spott

 

[CSyd77]

The starter/solenoid has been tested at O'Reillys (replaced it about a month or two ago) and passed 3/3 times. Thinking about doing a voltage drop test to check if I'm losing any voltage through the wires.

 

[70roadrunner]

sounds like a loose connection to me. possibly a ground, but more likely in the start circuit. is it an auto trans or manual? if its a manual, has the clutch master cyl been worked on recently? possibly the switch out of place a little? as mentioned before, check the nss.

 

[CSyd77]

Automatic. I'm not entirely convinced it's a loose connection problem just because it first acted up sitting overnight. I would think a connection would act up after being bounced around. I'm looking at the schematics in a Haynes manual and looks like I need to test between ignition switch-starter relay, starter relay-battery and starter relay-starter solenoid, with the N/PSS between the ignition and starter relay. But, the way its acting I'm thinking it's between the battery-relay or relay-solenoid. Does that make any sense? Haha

 

[Blueox]

Get some 12 gauge wire and put a ring connector on the end. Connect it to the sol where the ignition wire also connects. Then turn the key to the on position. Now go touch the wire to the positive side of the battery. If it starts, it is not likely the sol. It is something else in the system.

 

[black_demon69]

have you thought about cleaning and making sure battery connections are tight.... just my 2 cents

 

[CSyd77]

have you thought about cleaning and making sure battery connections are tight.... just my 2 cents

First thing I tried