Ford Ranger electronic questions.

Hugh McKinney · Jun 17, 2017

Hello to all, I'm normally posting over on
the Case/ih site, but today I've got a
problem with my 2001 Ford Ranger, and I
would really appreciate some help. The
radio and intruments have stopped working. Worst of all, the engine makes no sound when I turn the key to start it. But
I have strung a hot wire from the starter to
the battery, and it will start and run, if
the switcih is on. The a/c will come on when
I turn on the ignition, and the warning
chimes will sound. Oh, and I can shut the engine off
using the key, but the key will not start it
though. By the way, these problems appeared over a period of days. Thanks! Hugh
McKinney My email is open, plus you can call
or text me at 318-465-1472.

RodinNS · Jun 17, 2017

HAve you checked the fuses in the engine compartment box? Then check the fuses in the cab. I don't remember if those are behind the right lower kick panel or in the left side of the dash by the door... The owners manual may suggest which ones are for what. Beyond that I would probably suspect a faulty ignition switch..... but I WOULD spend some time reviewing the wiring diagrams and doing some testing before coming to that conclusion. You could also have a bad power relay in the engine fuse panel, or a bad control for one of those relays. Chasing electric problems on those trucks can be time consuming and maddening... and often involve some guesswork. However, I would start by looking at all the mini fuses and go from there.

Rod

Hugh McKinney · Jun 17, 2017

Thank you very much. I did just change the ignition swutch, it didn't solve it, so now I will start chasing down the things you suggested. Hugh

NoNewParts · Jun 18, 2017

track down the blown fuse for the radio and gauges first....and why it blew.
(this first because who knows what else is controlled on that circuit)
Look underneath for rusted out ground straps also. If I remember right, my 2002 Ranger had one on the passenger frame rail under the cab somewhere.(probably not your problem, but rusted out ground straps make erratic....everything)

The start issue symptoms would have me looking at the neutral safety switches. The clutch one if manual, or the Park/neutral one if an auto.

Hugh McKinney · Jun 19, 2017

I wanted to thank both of you for offering
your knowledge on this. I finally figured it
out, mostly by accident! It turns out that
in 2001, Ford started installing all their
cars and trucks with what they called a
Passive Anti-theft System. Well, sometimes
apparently they go haywire. I was just
trying to see if all my fuses on the drivers
side fuse block were good, and I'm just
unplugging, checking them and plugging them
back in. When I get to fuse number 19, I
unplug it, check it, then I noticed that
when I plugged it back in, something like an
electric motor kicked in momentarily. On a
hunch I turned the starter switch and
PRESTO, it started right up! Other problems
were quickly sorted out afterwards. So
thanks again guys for all your help. Hugh
McKinney

Ford Ranger electronic questions.

Hugh McKinney

Member

RodinNS

Well-known Member

Hugh McKinney

Member

NoNewParts

Member

Hugh McKinney

Member

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