Won't Start With Key

[lukeylikadonut]

my ranger wont start when i turn the key a can jump start it with a screwdriver on the starter solenoid. all the grounds are clean and its a new solenoid and its an automatic 1988 STX 4x4

 

[a-5 freak]

I think maybe the tumbler in the ignition may be broken. Try looking down the ignition key hole for any debris.

 

[Nhaz]

The tumbler's electrical contacts at the back of the tumbler set are possibly worn out and need replacing or just cleaning. If they are badly burned from electrical scoring you might as well replace them.

They shouldn't be but I've seen stranger things.

 

[Rinny650]

Either check that or the wire that runs to the solenoid that closes the connection. It will be on the small top post of your solenoid. Check it for 12volts when somebody turns the key one. I had to re run mine

 

[95RangerAK]

i would just check all the connections to the starter. i did a engine swap and one or more connections there came loose and it would not start with the key but i could do the same thing, jump it down with the starter. that was fun to figure out in a foot of snow...

 

[shadetree]

Using a test light, check for voltage on the neutral safety switch on the trans.

With the truck in park or neutral, ignition on, you should have voltage on both terminals.

If you only have voltage on one terminal, and and it goes away with ignition off, the ignition switch and wiring to the neutral safety switch are good, and you probably have a bad neutral safety switch.

If you have voltage on both terminals, but do not have voltage on the small wire on the fender relay, you have a problem with the wire going to the relay.

If you do not have voltage on either terminal, you have a problem with the wiring/connectors from the ignition switch, or the ignition switch itself.

The wire from the ignition switch to the neutral safety switch is red/lt blu.shady