truck wont crank with ignition switch

[xkotyx]

Tying up loose ends on my 2.3 to 4.0 swap and i converted the 4.0 from an auto to a 5 sp in the process and at a standstill on my ignition. It cranks over and starts fine from the solenoid on the fender but it wont do anything when I turn the key over. All the gauges and accessories work so I know the ignition is good. I've messed with the clutch safety switch, and even bypassed it but still nothing. I'm about to wire up a push button start if nothing else in a day or two but I was just wondering if anyone else has had the same problem or knew anything else to check. Thanks!

 

[snake]

I wasn't sure what year truck, but if new enough it may be the pats system screwing up. The theft light will blink faster when you try to start if this is the case. I guess could be the ignition switch as well? Let us know if you figure it out.

Edit- I see your newest truck is a 91 so forget about pats. Still could be the ignition switch though, it's two different circuits between ignition on and start.

 

[xkotyx]

Thanks ill swap ignition switches just to see. If that doesn't work ill start on the push button I guess

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

You made sure the switch, not the keyed part, is positioned correctly? If you drop the steering column and remove the switch while the wires are still hooked up, you can use a screwdriver to push the switch threw its positions and see if it's working. Also the park, drive, neutral switch/wiring is disabled?
Good luck,

Richard

 

[xkotyx]

Ignition switch didn't do it. Where's the park, neutral drive switch at that you're talking about and how can I disable it

 

[lil_Blue_Ford]

The ignition switch you stick your keys into just moves a metal rod that activates the actual ignition switch (which is down under the dash on top the steering column). If that's not set just right (or if it's bad) all positions can work except crank (I went through this with one of my BIIs). It's a bit of a PITA to get adjusted just right sometimes, but it could be the problem.

I would also check to see if maybe the wire to the solenoid for starting got pinched or otherwise damaged in the process of the swap. I had to replace that wire on one of mine as well, but I just spliced it into the harness after the bad spot so the truck functioned just the same as stock.

 

[Earl43P]

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/EDiagrams/files/Diagram_StartingSystem1990.JPG

The easy solution is to get the proper transmission harness. That will give you a connector for your reverse light switch and a clutch switch.

If you want to "rig it", simply connect the PK to the R/LB wire at the old auto transmission's connector that used to connect to the Neutral Safety Switch at the shift spindle of the old trans.