'97 Ranger, man trans, 4cyl, starting problems

[rickatom]

Until today, I had no problems with my truck starting. I got in it today, and all I could get was a click. Not the sound of a dead battery, but the starter was not even trying to turn over either. I tried making contact with hot terminals on starter selenoid, located on fender wall. Got sparks and a click. I went to parts place and bought a new fender mount starter selenoid. This was not the problem. I had the same symptoms as before.
I crawled under and removed the starter. I took jumper cables and bumped the terminals. The starter turned over, so I am assuming it is good, so I reinstalled it. Tried the key, same thing.
Called a friend who is going to check on this for me, but the Neutral switch located under the steering column could be the problem. It has 6 wires going to it and is worked by a rod attached to the clutch pedal. This could be the problem.
Has anyone else experienced this? What was your problem? I just dont understand why it was working fine and then not working at all.
Let me know if you have an answer to my problem. Thanks

 

[radsr2002]

hmmm

Sparks? Becareful; you might short something else out. Just because a starter will start out side the truck does not mean it is good. The load of the motor is quite a bit differant from a no load start. The switch might be a problem, but I doubt it, as you got a click to the solenoid. Normaly a kill switch will not pass anything to that. Have you tried taping the starter with a hammer as someone hits the switch? If it starts; replace the starter. Check voltage on your battery also with a multi meter. If it is below 13 volts DC. Try your starter with jumper cables attached. If that works your battery is weak.