My 08 Ranger 4x4 3.0 with auto still has intermittent start problem. I have recently purchased the truck and I thought maybe the shop cleaning it up may have pressure washed the selector switch on the side of the transmission. I replaced it and it still intermitently does the same thing. If I rotate the key all the way to the accessory location all the way back it seems to reset the thing and it starts. Has not left me down yet. Is there a clue in the fact that it resets by running the key back to accessory (all the way counter clockwise,)
I have a few questions. Am I right the computer grounds the starting relay? So if I ground the lead from the computer on that side of the relay when it is in the coIsndition might that help trouble shoot? Can I do that w/o fear of damaging the computer? secondly what is the clutch tripple swith jumper? Is this some kind of hold over from a manual transmission? Is Is this just a jumper? Of little consequence? I have a new battery and the connections on that are good. It does not click like the starter solenoid is trying and the starter turns over well. Just nothing happens when it goes into this mode. I do have a spare igniiton switch I could try. since I have it I might give it a shot but not opptimistic that is it. Just not sure how the rotte the the switch all the way clockwise seems to reset the thing?

 

Your 2008 automatic won't have the clutch switch jumper
From 1983 to about 2002/3 all Rangers were wired as Manual Transmissions, if an automatic was installed then a Jumper wire harness was added
In 2003/4 there were two separate harness's manual and automatic

No, grounding the starter relay in the engine fuse box won't tell you much

The PATS(passive anti-theft system) is what grounds that starter relay, and if its not working the "theft/lock" light on the dash will flash very fast when you turn on the key, and you don't mention that so I doubt the relay not being grounded is the problem


The key rotation thing is an interesting symptom
On the end of the key cylinder is a gear, it moves a rod with teeth on it, the rod runs down the steering column and slides the ignition switch into its 4 positions, ACC OFF RUN START

Diagram here, NOT Ranger: https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.for...e1343a526d.gif

Just gives you the mechanics involved

Google: ford ranger actuator rod

There are a few videos about this, Ford F-series use the same setup
If the teeth are worn down, rotating the key back may get actuator rod back into correct position to get key to rotate far enough to push ignition switch into START


It could be the ignition switch under the steering column as well, not hard to pull out and check, and then you could also check if actuator rod is moving as it should at that end, by turning the key while feeling movement of the rod end, there should be no play in it