Vehicle Won't Start
 

I've got a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 4.0L engine 2-wheel drive that won't start. When I turn the ignition switch on nothing happens. I suspected that I've got a bad starter but before I get a new one I want to make sure that nothing else in the circuit could be the cause. My OEM manual shows a "mini ISO relay". The drawing shows it to be on the left hand side of the engine compartment. Does the relay look like the rest of the other relays that looks like a cube? Also the fuse checked out good but I found a 7.5A fuse instead of the 15A it calls for. I'm removing the old starter and do a bench test. Appreciate any help.

Your 1999 Ranger will have PATS(passive anti-theft system), and that can cause No Crank, but.............THEFT light on dash would flash rapidly

There is also a SAFETY SWITCH, to prevent starting "in gear", Fuse #24 in cab fuse box passes power for this switch, it is 7.5amp

If you have an automatic transmission then switch is on the transmission shift linkage, call DTR, try shift to Neutral and then try to start engine
If column shifter gets loose then safety switch may not work in Park

If you have a manual transmission then the safety switch is on the clutch pedal's push rod in the cab, clutch pedal must be all the way down to close the switch and start engine

Yes, there is a Starter Relay in the engine fuse box, and you should HEAR it Click when key is turned to START, if PATS is OK, and if Safety switch is closed

If you don't hear it Click then problem may not be starter motor

The Blower Fan relay should be the same type of relay as Starter Relay, so swap them


There is also a chance the Battery cable from Battery Positive to the Starter Motor has some corrosion and is not passing enough AMPS(75) to spin the motor