My 95 4.0 Ranger XLT automatic with 80,00+ miles has developed intermittent starting issues over the past year. Ignition lock switch, battery and starter have all been replaced in an effort to restore reliability. Went to start it and once again got only a clicking noise. Called AAA to tow it back to the shop that did the work. Battery tested out OK and still would not crank even with a booster, Then the AAA guy started pressing the parking brake on and releasing it. He did this a few times and then the truck fired up immediately. Shut it off and started it up normally. Did this a few times. I then drove the truck to run some errands and it operated just fine. I do not understand what the parking brake has to do with starting this 1995 vehicle that I have owned since 1998. Sometimes I use the parking brake and sometimes I don't. Brake works normally and idiot light goes on and off normally. Puzzled.

 

You are correct, Parking brake can not effect starting, or anything really, all it has is a switch for on/off of the red "brake" light on dash, no interaction with any other circuits

Do all the dash lights come on with key on when there is a No Crank?

So issue is localized to START circuit
Not a complicated circuit

ignition switch turned to START(12volt)---->>>----Fuse 24 in cab fuse box---->>>----Neutral switch on transmission---->>>---starter relay in engine bay

The 12volts from ignition switch goes to and thru fuse 24 in cab fuse box, and then runs to Neutral switch, if trans is in Park or Neutral then the 12volts passes thru the switch and to starter relay in engine bay, starter relay closes and activates starter motor


Now a common issue on all Ford trucks with automatics and column shifters is the column shifter gets loose, so when you shift it back into Park the transmission goes to Park but the Neutral switch doesn't
If Neutral switch is not fully in Park then the 12volts from fuse 24 never gets to starter relay

Try shifting to Neutral and then try starting

Neutral switch is called the DTR(digital transmission range) sensor, but its just a multi wire switch, lol
It is adjustable but better to fix a loose column sifter than to monkey with the DTR

Google: Ford Ranger loose shifter

Lots of videos and how-tos

 

Thanks Ron for these ideas and leads. I will check out the search suggestions to educate myself. All the lights do come on and the click sounds to me like a solenoid engaging and it is quite pronounced. Of course the truck is starting right up normally now (i.e. fires up strong with very little cranking) but I will try these tips if and when it plays that intermittent surprise no-start issue again with me. If they do not work I think I will just shoot it. LOL