2001 Ford Ranger won't start...but can "jump" starter

[TB]

This is by far the strangest thing i've ever encountered.

This guy has a 2001 Ford Ranger single cab, 2wd 3.0L automatic. It's bone stock.

You put the key in, turn it on and everything works....you can hear relay's clicking/fuel pump working. Turn the key to start it and NOTHING. The radio plays, headlights come on, the battery is good, the starter is good and the ignition switch is good. We've replaced all of those, and still the same problem.

Here's the kicker. You can start the truck if you turn the key to the ON position and use a big screwdriver to jump the starter to the solenoid....kinda like your stealing the truck. It cranks right up and drives just like normal....no check engine lights or anything.

What in the world could be the problem?!?!!

 

[silky]

sounds like the solenoid trigger wire isn't triggering the solenoid. ie. either the key switch is bad or the wire that goes from the key switch to the solenoid is shorted.

 

[96eb96]

This is by far the strangest thing i've ever encountered.

This guy has a 2001 Ford Ranger single cab, 2wd 3.0L automatic. It's bone stock.

You put the key in, turn it on and everything works....you can hear relay's clicking/fuel pump working. Turn the key to start it and NOTHING. The radio plays, headlights come on, the battery is good, the starter is good and the ignition switch is good. We've replaced all of those, and still the same problem.

Here's the kicker. You can start the truck if you turn the key to the ON position and use a big screwdriver to jump the starter to the solenoid....kinda like your stealing the truck. It cranks right up and drives just like normal....no check engine lights or anything.

What in the world could be the problem?!?!!

Those round solenoid things also go bad, had it happen on two cars. Check for voltage at the small push on terminal wire when you put it in start. If there is voltage, you should replace that unit with a motorcraft one.

 

[TB]

Those round solenoid things also go bad, had it happen on two cars. Check for voltage at the small push on terminal wire when you put it in start. If there is voltage, you should replace that unit with a motorcraft one.

It's had 3 different starters tested on the vehicle. I was sorta shocked when you couldn't buy JUST the solenoid.....you had to buy the WHOLE starter.

 

[fenderbender2002]

I have had something like this happen to me before and it turned out to be the little switch that is triggered when you depress the brake pedal. I replaced it and the truck started everytime. I only found this out after a new starter and selenoid (sp?). I am not sure if the ex has one or not as this was on an old GMC I owned. Good luck.

 

[TB]

I'll give it a check! I'm desperate!!!

 

[budwich]

get a meter and start measuring things. go yea to the starter relay and check that voltage is arriving and leaving both on the operating coil and thru the switched contacts that eventually send that voltage to the starter's soleniod and the starter itself. next check the grounds.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

check the transmission range sensor.....sounds just like when you try to start it but forget to put it in park.

 

[TB]

Thanks guys... Can you tell me WHERE the transmission range sensor is?

 

[silky]

i've never looked at the exploders' solenoids but they usually have 3 wires going to them... 2 thick, one thin, and are grounded by contact with a grounded serface.

the one thick wire comes from the batter to the solenoid, the other thick wire goes from the solenoid to the starter. The thin wire is the trigger which switches the soldenoid on and off. That is triggered by turning the key. So, try just jumping the small terminal that the small trigger wires attaches too with battery power. The solenoid should make that clunk sound and the starter should crank. If it does, then you know you there is a problem with the trigger wire system somewhere between the key and the solenoid.

 

[budwich]

I don't think that's correct... at least for ford ex'x. there is no "direct connection" from your key to the starter solenoid. The connection is from the starter relay to the starter solenoid... which sounds like it isn't there and hence his problem.

 

[silky]

I don't think that's correct... at least for ford ex'x. there is no "direct connection" from your key to the starter solenoid. The connection is from the starter relay to the starter solenoid... which sounds like it isn't there and hence his problem.

well then he needs to check the wire from the key to the relay, and the wire from the relay to the starter.

 

[CmdrPopNFresh]

the transmission range sensor is on the side of the transmission where the linkage goes inside the trans.....the linkage goes right through the middle of the range sensor.

 

[SensRanger]

Didd you try starting the truck in Neutral? If it works, you've got a problem with the Range Sensor- it thinks you're in a drive gear when you are in Park. I had this issue. Also try wiggling / moving the shifter thru all the gears and back to P and try starting it.