I have a '91 Ford Ranger 3.0L and 5-speed transmission. When I turn the key it is just complete silence, however I can lay a coat hanger across the two terminals on the solenoid and it instantly starts. I replaced the solenoid and clutch safety switch with no luck in fixing the problem. Every once in awhile I am able to get the truck to turn over using just the key, but I usually have to pump the clutch a few times and repeatedly turn the key.

Anyone Ideas for trouble shooting or possible ideas on the problem?

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

It doesn't sound like the solenoid is bad. It is the signal coming in to it. Have you looked at the ignition switch itself? The other option is the clutch interlock. Bypass the clutch interlock, if it starts, there is your problem. If not, look at the ignition switch.

I don't have wiring diagrams for your '91, but I would imagine that the safety and interlocks are pretty basic. Wiring diagrams might help you also..

Could be ignition switch. He said he replaced the clutch safety switch. I think you have a starter relay and that could be the issue.

When you say you jump the solenoid you are talking about the fender solenoid, right?

The pumping the clutch thing is odd with a new switch.hmmmm

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Yes the solenoid is fender mounted.
The pumping the clutch thing is more out of anger then actually testing it.

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

Them most likely starter relay or ignition switch. Both parts total about $20 and take 20 minutes to change? Is your ignition key cylinder loose?

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

I don't think it is the ignition switch as my radio and lights all turn off when I turn the key to the start position.

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

Please answer all my questions. Thanks.

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

I have already replaced the solenoid.

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

^^^^^^^^^

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Nope, feels like a new car.

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

On some models depending on the year the truck will have a starter relay in the power distribution box. It will also have fender starter solenoid(on the interior fender) as well as a solenoid on the starter. In your case you have replaced the fender solenoid and you know it works from there forward. You have also replaced the CPP switch. I don think you have the relay in the power distribution box. Other then having a wiring issue the only thing left is the ignition switch. The ignition switch is not the ignition lock cylinder that the key goes in. It is an electrical plug looking thing. it is in your steering column. On most trucks it is easy to replace. you remove the steering column cover and there it is. remove 2 bolts and unplug it. On some vehicles it is more complicated. this is where a manual comes in handy. if yours is the kind that is easy to replace I suggest you do that. They cost no more than $15.

STANDARD MOTOR PRODUCTS Part # US108T T-Series
$7.09

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

If I wanted to test my conection at the clutch safety switch which pins or wires do I need to bridge?

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

Having the wiring diagrams for your specific year would help with this a lot.

Edit - Have a look here http://www.fordrangerforum.com/elect...ew-sticky.html

Well, I figured out how to jump the clutch safety switch (Connect the two pink wires together). I was able to rig up a test light in the middle of the bridge so i could see if I was getting power, which I did. This however eliminates both the clutch safety switch and the ignition switch as the problem. I then rigged the tester up to try and test the power to the (S) terminal on the solenoid, I was getting no power. According to my wiring diagram the fault is somewhere down stream of the clutch switch and upstream of the (s) terminal on the solenoid.

The cable that attaches to the (s) terminal gets bunddled up and runs infront of the radiator (which is where i lose track of it). Any suggestions? I

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1991 Ford Ranger 3.0L V-6 5-speed manual transmission, 175,00miles

Go to the page in the link in my last post