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I'm working on my inlaws 01 Ford Ranger 2.3L automatic. She went to crank it the other morning and it wouldn't turn over. Like there wasn't any power going to the starter. There is no relay on the firewall, just in the power distribution box. I checked the fuses and swapped relays, electronics isn't my strong suit but I can check things with a little guidance, anyway I decided to jump the starter and it would only spin not engage. I pulled it off and had it tested, it turned out to be bad, so I put a new one on. it still would not turn over. I'm thinking maybe the safety neutral switch, but not sure. I'm also not sure about the theft system, if it even has one. This truck is a plain jane model. It does have a theft light that blinks when the key is turned on. She said it has always blinked when cranking, but goes off when the motor is started. Any help would be appreciated.

 

2001 Ranger with 2.3l didn't have PATS, 3.0l and 4.0l did

With an automatic have you tried starting in Neutral?

NSS(neutral safety switch) will pass power to starter solenoid in Park and in Neutral.
NSS is above shift linkage on transmission it is a push button type switch that is activated/set by a cam in the trans hooked to shifter shaft, it also operates Reverse lights

The Ford truck column shifter is a know issue, it can loosen up under the dash so won't shift fully into Park and it's cable can stretch.

 

So the NSS that the parts store has is the one the you install by putting the trans in neutral, pulling off the shift lever and unbolting it then sliding it off the shaft. The one you describe is above this? I saw another electrical connection above this, but didn't think anything about it.

 

That should be the correct one, the one on the shaft, the one I described was used on older models...........where I spend most of my time :)

 

I replaced the NSS on the trans shaft, did not work. Did the same with the ignition switch and the relay, nothing worked. I put these on one at a time and tried each part. So I put the old parts back on, I'm thinking to put the new parts back on at the same time and try it again.

 

Okay, I put rhea new parts on, per maw in laws request, the relay, ignition switch and the NSS. Turned key and nothing. I'm thinking its got some kind of theft system on it. Any thoughts?

 

Does it start in Neutral?

Call local Ford dealer with your VIN number and find out if you have PATS or a Factory alarm system

 

Well she had it towed to a local auto shop and the alarm had been set off