1998 xlt ranger stepside reg cab. 2.5L 4 cyl 5 speed, 2wd.

I was at the junkyard again today. Which I found 4 perfect chrome explorer wheels and tires that I got for 90 bucks. But anyway, I pulled my truck around to load the wheels and I shut it off. After I loaded them up, I went to start it again. It cranked for half a second then nothing. The dash lights up and stereo works so I know the battery is fine. It does not crank or click, just nothing at all other than the dash lighting up. I had my dad push me so I could pop start it and it worked and I got it home. It ran fine the whole way.

I recently changed the gauge cluster and the engine and clutch were done 6 months ago. But I have never had this problem before.

I am thinking it has something to do with the ignition system, starter, or maybe the clutch override switch. I think that is what that switch is called that activates when you press the clutch so the engine will start. That went bad in my first ranger and I had to jam the clutch pedal down to start it.

I searched and could not find this particular problem, but lots of other "car won't start" threads. I would appreciate any info you guys could give me.

Thanks

P.S Here is a picture of my 5th and current ranger with my new wheels and tires on it.
And the old rims that are for sale dirt cheap if anyone in the pittsburgh area is interested. Back tires 40 percent tread, front tires are junk, but I have two slightly bigger tires that will fit (40 percent tread), center caps included.

 

https://www.ranger-forums.com/showth...=clutch+switch

That might be a start for you .
Also check and clean all ground connections in the engine compartment.

 

Thanks for the info OTRtech. I checked all fuses and they are fine. Grounds are all cleaned up as well. Still nothing. I am defenitely leaning towards the clutch safety switch even though it has never acted up until today. Is there anyway to totally rule out the starter? It wasn't making any weird noises or anything and this is the first time the truck hasn't started like this.

Does anyone have any experience with clutch safety switch problems. Any info would be greatly appreciated. I need to fix this so I don't have to park on a hill to start my whip.

Thanks again.

First person to help me figure this out can have my old wheels and tires for free. Haha

 

oh and one more thing. Yesterday I changed out my lower driver side door hinge. (it was making popping noises). I had to remove that lower panel next to the ebrake pedal. Is is possible I damaged some off that wiring behind the kick panel? I am not sure what wiring is back there. Just a thought.

 

To rule out the starter , make sure the truck is in neutral , and using a jumper cable hooked to the battery , connect across the stater solenoid. If it doesn't turn connect directly to the post on the starter.
Again MAKE SURE TRUCK IS IN NEUTRAL !

 

Has the truck been sitting for a while?

 

I drive it every day. It could might have something to do with the extreme heat and humidity we have had the last few days, especially today. It was baking in the sun when it happened. Started it, shut it off after about 30 seconds of driving. Tried to start it again 3 minutes later and it turned over for a second and then nothing. It's like something died mid start. After that, no cranks, no clicks, but everything else appears fine. The starter is fried or its just not engaging for some reason.

 

I was gonna say if it was sitting for a while to try and tap the starter with a hammer while someone turned the key. Sometimes when a vehicle sits the starter will rust inside and need to be freed up.

 

anyone else. I can't figure this one out

 

my starter has the solenoid built in. i jumped it with someone turning the key and it did nothing but spark. I am guessing my starter/solenoid is bad. there goes another $150

 

pulled the starter and the small wire from the starter to the solenoid is corroded to nothing. definently the problem. now I am wondering if i can just replace that little jumper wire rather than doing the whole starter

 

Probably. Replace it and see what happens. One wire is cheaper than an entire starter assembly.

 

So advance auto wanted $150 + $35 core charge for a remaned starter. So I go to ebay and fine a reputable auto electrical store and buy a brand new starter for $60 shipped. I took a few pics of my starter to show how bad its corroded and the wire that corroded to nothing. One pic of my sad ranger sitting idle till her new starter comes in. And a pic of my new starter via ebay. Tmw is my bday too. Happy bday to me. Hope its helps someone else in the future.

When I get the starter on monday and slap it in, ill let you know how it went.

 

Holy god that starter looks awful!

 

That's what 233,000 miles and 13 Pittsburgh winters will do. Starter is definitely original. Just a few more parts and I will have replaced everything on this truck. It's like a brand new 1998 Ranger

 

changed the starter out and truck is running perfect now. It sounds like a brand new vehicle when you turn the key. sweet...

thanks for all the help