I just bought a 1996 Ford Ranger (5-speed) that is, or was, in great condition and only paid $500 for it. During the test drive, it ran well and I bought it without hesitating. I rationalized that even if something went wrong with it, like a transmission, at least I only had $500 invested.

Well, the second day I had it, the clutch suddenly went bad, meaning that it has no tension to it and just goes all the way to the floor. What is really odd about all this is that when I push the clutch to the floor and try to start the truck in gear, it lunges forward - like it would if I tried to start it under normal circumstances with the truck in gear and the clutch disengaged - and it acts as if the battery is going bad, no lights or anything come on, and it won't start. However, if I just put the truck in neutral, with or without the clutch, it starts right up and runs like a well-oiled machine, but I can't change any of the gears So, while I'm fairly certain that I need a new clutch, I still don't understand how or why that would affect the truck starting up and/or acting like it has a weak battery.

If anyone out there has the knowledge to explain the connection between the clutch and the truck lunging and not starting when in gear, whatever opinions you have to offer would be greatly appreciated. Like I said, it was a steal at $500, and it would be nice to get it up and running. Also, is there any kind of standard test for determining if the clutch does need to be replaced, and how much such I expect to pay for a new or used clutch? Thanks in advance!

You have one of the simplest problems out there you internall slave cylinder is no good, if you pull off the inspection cover you will see fluid leaking out of the trans, pull out the trans install new slave bleed system and you are ready to go. $100 for the part and 4 hours labour

it,s the pressure plate. the pressure plate is,nt releasing the clutch away from the flywheel. either that or the throwout bearing went through the fingers on the pressure plate.

sounds like your out of clutch fluid, wich would be either your slave is shot and the line is rotted.. You mite be able to add fluid and bleed it out. Ive been running mine for the past 5 months with a bad slave. Just gotta keep an eye on the fluid. Mines going in monday for a new clutch and slave unit.

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oh yea. Clutch is under 200 slaves under 100. Probably 4-600 labor

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95 xlt 4.0 5spd with a two tone paint job, blue cab and a black box

The reason why it lunges when in gear is cause the starter is trying to start the engine with the transmission engaged so it lunges then dies. The clutch is supposed to disengage the engine from the tranny allowing the engine to start not under a load. When in neutral the transmission is engaged to the engine but is spinning freely allowin the engine to run. Your problem is simple check clutch fluid if that's good move on to slave cyl or pressure plate

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2001 Ford Ranger EDGE 3.0 V6 5 speed
OEM front tow hooks
Class 3 tow bar
Rugged Liner Bedliner
3.73 gears
Stock size tires 235/75/R-15 Michalen LTX M/s2