SOS! Ranger won't start! No click

evanse89 · #1 01-08-2015, 08:27 AM

This started about 7 months ago:
I was at work, and they said I could go home early (obvious sign something bad was about to happen) so I go to leave and the truck won't start up!
I tried tapping on the starter, and checking for loose wires but everything looked OK and it still wouldn't fire up so I got a ride home and left it in the lot. The next day I gave it another try and it started up just fine, so I thought it was just bad luck.
About 6 weeks later it did it again in my driveway at home, this time I was going to replace the starter. They (NAPA) tested the old one and said it failed 1/3 test cycles. I installed a remanufactured one and when I go to start it nothing happens! I come back the next day and it starts up fine again...
About 4 weeks later I broke down across the border in BC, had it towed to a shop that evening. The next day I get a call and they say it runs just fine, they can't find a problem!
So it goes every 4-6 weeks...
I finally gave in and had a shop put in a brand new starter for me hoping maybe I had a bad wire, but lo and behold 6 weeks later I'm broke down again.
This is getting really old, the shop can't seem to diagnose it unless its there while non-functional, but the problem is its so intermittent that seems improbable.
Any ideas?!

Summary of the problem:
Won't turn over, not even a click
Lights, windows, radio all work
No fuses appear to be blown
Starter has been replaced
Battery is relatively new
????

sheltonfilms · #2 01-08-2015, 10:29 AM

Sounds like your neutral safety switch isn't lined up properly or your gear shift lever isn't fully in park or neutral when trying to start.

Next time it doesn't start wiggle the handle with the key turned. Or try placing it in neutral and starting it.

KenHigg · #3 01-08-2015, 10:40 AM

Isn't there a relay somewhere in the circuit that could be faulting?

sheltonfilms · #4 01-08-2015, 10:48 AM

There are about 3 things to get a "no click" no start condition. Neutral safety switch which switches power to the starter relay (engine fuse box). For anti-theft equipped trucks , the pats module will ground the stater relay when the correct chipped key is inserted.

evanse89 · #5 01-08-2015, 03:29 PM

Please correct me if I'm misinformed but I don't think there is a neutral safety switch on my truck, I can start it without my foot on the brake which I thought was the point of that.
I've also (sort of) tried to test the shifter, putting the truck in neutral and back into drive, or jiggling the key with it in the ignition in case something was misaligned...
I have also tried using two different keys...

sheltonfilms · #6 01-08-2015, 03:34 PM

Neutral safety switches also known as range sensors are on all automatic transmissions. They are there to turn on your reverse lights when in reverse and to let the car start when in neutral or park, it also tells the computer which gear you are in for other functions.

Manual transmissions have reverse switches only and clutch pedal position switches (on pedal) for starting.

The only reason a brake depress is required when you need to shift out of park. When you depress the brake it activates a locking solenoid to allow the shifter to move.

KenHigg · #7 01-08-2015, 05:21 PM

Sounds like you either have a wire shorting out or a loose connecter. Next time it happens take a meter to the battery and see if there is any parasitic current drain. Also identify all the connectors in the circuit and back probe for voltage while you have somebody else hold the key in the start position...

evanse89 · #8 01-17-2015, 06:31 PM

Ok so it did it again today while I was out for a hike. What should I check and how should I check it when I go back for it tomorrow? I am not really a car guy so please explain it like you would to a kindergartener.
Also I noticed today that when I attempted to start it the alarm light on the dash blinked rapidly when I held the key in the start position.
I did try shifting back and forth between park and neutral and also held it in park while trying to start it to no avail.
Another thing thats probably unrelated; if I start and immediately shift into reverse and then hesitate to give it gas the engine will shut off. Its happened a few times but I think its because I barely hold the key in start before shifting so its not really started, I havent really tested it this just popped into my head so I figured I'd mention it.

KenHigg · #9 01-17-2015, 07:04 PM

My best guess is a loose low voltage wire connector. Problem is the intermittant part. You can either throw parts at it, learn how read a schematic so you can trace the circuits and tinker with the connectors to see if you can induce one to fail, or take it to someone who can. Sorry, trying to trouble shoot over the net is net to impossible ....

evanse89 · #10 02-11-2015, 08:59 AM

Just an update in case someone has the same problem in the future, have someone check the anti-theft system in the truck!
I tried two keys and neither worked so I assumed the keys weren't the problem and quit looking at anti-theft.
Then the last time it left me stranded I had about 5 hours to wait for the tow truck so I did some investigating and that anti-theft light kept bugging out so I left a note for the shop to look at that. Turns out the system in the truck no longer recognized the either of the keys. Got a new set of chip keys and its been running strong for about 4 weeks now without issue.

JJSLAIL22 · #11 02-11-2015, 09:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by evanse89

Just an update in case someone has the same problem in the future, have someone check the anti-theft system in the truck!
I tried two keys and neither worked so I assumed the keys weren't the problem and quit looking at anti-theft.
Then the last time it left me stranded I had about 5 hours to wait for the tow truck so I did some investigating and that anti-theft light kept bugging out so I left a note for the shop to look at that. Turns out the system in the truck no longer recognized the either of the keys. Got a new set of chip keys and its been running strong for about 4 weeks now without issue.

Good stuff, how much were the keys?