Ok so this is getting seriously complex and aggitating. I finally got the old beast running with the automatic transmission, only problem is the trans was junk, missed shifts, hard shifts etc. So since I had a 97 explorer laying around I decided to take the manual out of it and do a swap. I installed a new clutch, flywheel, starter, slave cylinder, etc. I hooked the clutch pedal position sensor to the dummy one that was factory installed. Only problem is it wont start. The started is not engaging. I jumped a wire from the hot wire on the starter to the ignition switch wire and it tried to start. I also used the original wiring harness from the automatic ranger, which leaves a transmission hookup not plugged in. So iI know its not the starter, what could it be?

 

push in the clutch... lol idk just messin

 

lol... yeah tried that.

Something else I just thought of, since I took off the original shifter from the column, would the truck be thiniking its in gear therefore not allowing the starter to work?

 

From your explanation, it sounds like you're still using the automatic engine/trans harness. If so, then you probably need to jump the park/neutral starter interlock function of either the Transmission Range Sensor or the Park/Neutral Position Switch. Which switch it is and the color codes depend on what year the truck is (you didn't say).

 

Oh sorry it's a 1998 4x4 4.0L. Where would the transmission range sensor or the park/neutral position switch be located on this year and what wires would I need to jump?

 

The digital TRS went away with the automatic but the 12-pin connector plug should still be in the auto harness. I would try jumping the pink to the tan/red at that plug. That should fix it.

To make the backup lights work, find the purple/orange and the black/pink in the same 12-pin and connect them to the 2 pins of the reverse switch in the manual transmission (driver side of the trans near the top).

 

you need to either use a manual computer with manual harness or a tuned auto computer with modified auto harness.. if you dont have it tuned for a manual then your timing will be too low and you will have a cel from the transmission "missing". the wiring mods you'd need to do would tell the computer it's okay to start as if the auto was in park. you also need these mods for cruise to work... aka.. go get yourself a manual pcm and use the manual harness and be done.

 

Thanks Rwen, that did the trick.. Now I have a new prob... no speedo and abs light is flashing. Am I correct when I assume that the 1997 ford explorers did not have the abs rear wheel speed sensor? Because the transmission is from a 97 explorer and the computer is as well.... so I'm assuming its not even looking for the signal from the rear wheel speed sensor.... I had to cut some wires on the transfer case to hook a different harness up.

 

The 97 Explorers had the same rear axle sensor but it was for the ABS only and did not drive the speedometer. The 98~00 Ranger speedometer and ABS both depend on the axle sensor to operate. It should be connected via the harness that runs down the left frame rail (red/pink and light green/black wires).

 

hey guys i have a similer problem on my 88 ranger 2.9 4x4 that has a mitsubishi tranny with 5- speed it used to an auto (befor i got the truck) i have everything hooked up and what not but it wont turn over and there is a harness to the right of the engine( when your lookin at the front) that has 2 connectors that are not hooked up do i need to do the same thing? if so which wires?

 

DID YOU EVER DIGURE IT OUT? SAME PROBLEM