Another "No Start" Dilemma

[tivranger]

1998 Ranger 4 cyl, 5 speed. Due to unexpected traffic situation truck stalled in 3rd gear. Wouldn't start, no crank; when I turn the key I get one click and that's it. Started when I popped the clutch and ran OK (might be a little shudder in the clutch but that could've also been me really feathering the shifting). Once it was shut off, wouldn't crank again.

I'm guessing it's the clutch-starter interlock switch. If so, how do I by- pass this until I can effect the repair?

Any other ideas?

 

[RangerX]

If it was the switch, you would not get the one click. Sounds like a starter /battery issue. I would first disconnect the battery cables, and clean the clamps and posts, then retighten. If that's not it, either the battery or the starter may be going.

Welcome to the forum.

 

[shamaal]

I second Ranger. When I try to start vehicle without pressing clutch I hear the fuel pump and relay; no click
Does the vehicle jump start? If so Battery and charging system are suspect.
If not, starter/starter circuit is most likely with exotic problems (including clutch switch) less likely, but not impossible.
See the starting sticky in the "Under the Hood" section for possibilities if you can't jump.
Ask questions, the forum is friendly

 

[tivranger]

No Such Luck!

I checked the battery - 12.5v. I tried to jump start it - nada. I worked in the auto parts business for about 20 years and probably sold a couple of thousand of the old fender-mount Ford solenoids. These would click in no-start situations, but in most cases it was actually the starter hanging up. The one click I hear is not as loud as the old solenoid click.

I'm thinking it may very well be starter-related, but the circumstances of the failure are a little random. It's at the shop (I really don't have time right now for extensive trouble shooting) and I'll let you know.

Anyway, thanks for the advice. I just picked up the truck about a month ago and the board has already been a big help with all of the common fixes (door ajar, blend door, air bag light).

 

[Mbrooks420]

You may want to check the resistance of the battery cables. It's not uncommon for these trucks to seep acid into the cable and rot them out under the sheathing a foot or so from the post. A 98 seems a little new for this, but I wouldn't think it's unheard of.

 

[tivranger]

Give That Man a Cee-Gar

Ranger X - you nailed it. I just heard from my mechanic; it was indeed a bad starter. It was the orginal unit, so I guess I got my money's worth out of it. Apparently it had spun its last that last time I started the truck - if I hadn't stalled it likely would have failed in my driveway the next time I used it.

 

[Tonny]

I have a 91 ranger that would crank slow then start, it acted like the battery was going dead and it did, so I replaced the battery, and then tried to start it and I get a click sound at the realy or solenoid next to the battery and it will not start at all can anyone help??