Hey guys I have a 2002 3.0L XLT that is having an odd starting issue. My Ranger sat for a week in a long term parking lot at an airport. When I went to start the engine there was a very fast clicking sound. It seemed that the battery was close to dead so I hooked up my jumper pack and was able to get the truck to start. The next day I installed a new battery.

Now when I start the engine everything comes on as usual, except when a let off the key the engine shuts off. I have to hold the key over for a few extra seconds for the engine to stay on. Once the engine is on everything functions as normal.

Any help you may have would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

when you do get it running without touching anything wiggle the key around, ever so lightly rotate the cyl forward to start and back (when i say ever so slightly i mean like 1/32") and wiggle the key all about. If it shuts off or stumbles or does anything but stay running smooth your ign switch is shot or misaligned. apparently on rangers the key cyl operates a rod that goes to the switch down the steering columb. if the rod gets misaligned or switch slides down the key positions no longer line up with the electricl switch contacts.

 

Thank you for the response, i will try this out today.