91 2.9l 2x4 5spd. Only starts by crossing bolts on starter soloniod. Have replaced soloniod and checked fuses. Visable Wiring around starter/soloniod etc doesn't look corroded. soooo Ignition relay switch maybe? Any tricks to trouble shoot or ideas appreciated. Thanks

 

Welcome to the forum


On the inner fender mounted starter RELAY(mis-called a starter solenoid, by everyone, lol) is a smaller post labelled with an "S"
It will usually have a Red/blue strip wire attached, that is the wire that activates the starter relay which closes and passes power to starter motor.
"S" wire comes from the ignition switch under the steering column in the cab, and has 12volts when key is turned to START
BUT..........that 12volts must pass thru a Safety switch before going to the starter relay
On a manual trans vehicle the safety switch is on the clutch pedal push rod in the cab.
The clutch pedal must be pushed down all the way to Close this safety switch and then it will pass that 12volts on to the Starter Relay's "S" post.

Google: ford ranger clutch interlock switch

Thats where I would start
Yes, you can bypass this switch, those links will come up with the above search

It is possible that the ignition switch has failed for START position, but more likely problem would be clutch switch