1988 Ranger XLT 2.9L Manual trans

Wont start unless I jump the starter relay solenoid (trans in neutral).

Get in the cab, put the key in and there's power, radio turns on, gauges work, etc. Turn key to start and radio turns off, check engine light on dash lights up, no sound from engine bay (no starter relay click, no noise from starter).

Replaced starter relay solenoid (fender mounted near battery). Cleaned battery posts, negative grounds and starter relay connections. All fuses in the cab are good.

Suggestions?

 

Test the starter solenoid operation.

Disconnect the S terminal connector at the solenoid. Connect a jumper wire between the battery B+ post and the S terminal (stud) on the solenoid. Engine should crank.

If it cranks with jumper, connect a voltmeter (test light) between the wire that goes to the S terminal and chassis ground. Depress clutch pedal and turn ignition to start position. Meter should read 12V (test light should light). If not, repair ignition circuit between solenoid and ignition switch (wiring, clutch interlock switch, ignition switch).

If it didn’t crank with jumper, remove solenoid and clean the mounting surface ensuring the solenoid has a good ground. Reinstall solenoid and retest.

If it still does not work, connect your voltmeter positive probe on one of the mounting screws for the solenoid and the other to the batteries negative post. Connect the jumper wire between the batteries positive post and the S terminal on the solenoid. Voltmeter should not read more than .2V. If reading is more than .2V, repair ground circuit to battery.

If it still does not work, replace solenoid.

 

Engine does not crank when connecting the S terminal to positive battery cable.

Cleaned solenoid mounting surface.

Tested with voltmeter from negative post to mounting screw while connecting jumper wire to S and positive battery, no reading whatsoever.

Replaced solenoid.

Still wont start from the cab. Jump the solenoid and it starts right up.

 

Check the clutch switch under the dash making sure its still connected to the clutch pedal. There should be two wires, one will be hot with the key in the crank position. The other will be hot with the pedal depressed and key in the crank position. This wire will go to the starter solenoid S terminal.

 

Got it! Thanks for all the advice.