Truck wont start without jumping solenoid

[The Dooger]

Hey guys I have a 94 ranger and when I turn the key over I get nothing, no clicking or anything. I can jump the solenoid with a screwdriver and get the truck started so from my findings everything from the solenoid on is ok. I tested the command wire that goes to the solenoid from the ignition with a test light while depressing the clutch and turning the key and I am getting no power to engage the solenoid. Where do I go from here? Also does anyone have a diagram of this wiring from the ignition switch?

 

[drb1956]

won't start

Sounds like ignition switch has had it. Its down the column inside the 2 covers, usually on the bottom side of the column. Most igntion switches will have a burn mark on them when they croak. Make sure it is connected-if you have idiot lights on your panel when you turn key to on pos., you should be connected. "Possible" starter COULD be bad-I would take out and have tested(most stores will check for free). Jumping solenoid gives the starter a voltage spike so it appears to work fine, as voltage is not moving thru "normal" channels. Test for good measure. Also check starter relay in power control box under hood. Find out which one it is, and swap with another like A/C. If thats the prob, replace with new.

 

[Mark_88]

Sounds more like the clutch interlock to me...try by-passing it with a U shaped wire into the two connectors. If that doesn't do it then trace the wires from the solenoid "I" terminal (stands for ignition) back to the firewall checking for loose connections.

I don't suspect the starter because it actually works when you jump the solenoid. Could also be the solenoid itself has fried internally and not allowing the ignition terminal to connect the starter.

 

[RonD]

Hey guys I have a 94 ranger and when I turn the key over I get nothing, no clicking or anything. I can jump the solenoid with a screwdriver and get the truck started so from my findings everything from the solenoid on is ok. I tested the command wire that goes to the solenoid from the ignition with a test light while depressing the clutch and turning the key and I am getting no power to engage the solenoid. Where do I go from here? Also does anyone have a diagram of this wiring from the ignition switch?

Could be the ignition switch or Clutch Safety switch.

Battery------ignition switch-------clutch switch-------starter relay------ground

When key is turned to START it slides the ignition switch contacts to send power to Clutch switch, if Clutch switch is closed then the power passes thru the switch to the "S" post on the Starter Relay(on starter motor in '94), this power closes the Starter Relay(solenoid) which connects Battery directly to Starter motor.

Ignition switches can fail but most likely issue would be the clutch switch or a wiring issue.

Clutch switch is on the Clutch Master Cylinder push rod, switch is long with two halves and clamps over the push rod, when clutch pedal is pushed in the push rod goes into the master and the switch is compressed between master and pedal, it closes allowing power to pass.

 

[Mark_88]

Ooops...right RonD..the S post on the solenoid is the one to look at...

 

[tomw]

If you bypass the clutch switch and it still doesn't work, take a look at the ignition switch on the steering column. Mine was coming apart after so many years, and would make intermittent contact. It is held together by 'pins' of metal that are formed to hold onto the other half. The tension of the cable harness pulled it apart over time. I tried re-crimping, and it worked for a while, but a new switch was less than $10 a while ago.
If you have to remove the switch, you can file flats on the two bolts and use an adjustable wrench or pliers to remove the switch. I replaced the 'twist off' bolts with normal.
tom