Just picked up a 99 xl for my kid to start learning to drive on. It's the 2.3 with the 5 speed trans. Currently doesn't start, previous owner thought it was the flywheel since they just did the clutch. Haven't had a chance to tear into it yet, since my truck comes first (Currently doing head work on that). Mostly looking for ideas and upgrades on his since its the xl and none to pretty.

 

Welcome to the forum

"currently doesn't start" is to general, need to be more specific

When you turn the key to START do you hear starter motor?
Or just a click?
If starter motor comes on does it just make a grinding noise?
That could be bad starter motor gear or ring gear(flywheel)

Does engine turn if starter motor comes on, but just not start up?


1999 Rangers had 2.5l 4cyl engine, 2.3l Lima engine was last used in 1997 Ranger and then 2.3l Duratec engine was used in 2002 and up Rangers
1998-2001 Rangers had a stroked 2.3l Lima called 2.5l Lima, so basically the same engine but with different crank and connecting rods, just for FYI

2.3l/2.5l Limas use a timing BELT, these can break so no start, but starter motor would still turn the engine over

 

Well it is a 2.5, my apologies. The starter only makes a clunk when you try and start the engine. I've only had the starter actually spin once. Apparently the ignition lock is faulty too as you can turn it to the run position without a key.

 

Its a manual transmission, have you tried a "bump start" to see if it will start up or if engine even spins?

If flywheel's ring gear was damaged I would expect grinding noise, clunk noise would be starter motor problem

 

Not yet,its currently in the backyard at the moment. I've not gotten a real chance to play with the thing yet. Part of this things existance is to teach the kid how to deal with stuff that doesn't work and eventually make it drivable. It's currently in a garaged status. Some previous owner gave it a rattle can job, so it's currently called his humility vehicle.

 

Sounds like a good project

Starter motor replacement is pretty much the first job a new mechanic starts with, lol, engines always need starter motors replaced, its a high wear item
Its the first job where you learn to ALWAYS DISCONNECT BATTERY FIRST, before starting any repair on any vehicle

He can pull the starter first and have a look at it and the ring gear inside
Maybe test the starter motor using jumper cables

My first "car" was a 1955 *****'s Overland 4x4, got it from local water company for $100, its flat head 6 engine was laying in the back, got it when I was 15, had it running for 16th birthday for drivers test
I did a rattle can paint job on it, a real chick magnet, lol

 

Pretty much. Everything is at least appears to be under the hood in this thing. He's welcome to pull things apart to explore them, but this appears to be your basic xl fleet single cab vehicle. No frill, just ability to roll down the st. The only thing I can say it at least has some form of ac.

 

Out of curiosity what is the inch long switch lever thing on the side the column kitty corner to the ignition switch. Owners manual doesn't say/show it

 

 

Right next to the ignition switch? That’s the “remove the key” button. Ignition cylinder won’t turn back to the “remove the key” position without pressing it.

 

Apparently that is the key release, but the keys we have are such crap they pull out of the lock no matter what position its in. And no sorry this truck is just a base xl so no steering tilt