98 Ranger intermittant starting problem

I have a 98 ranger, 100500 miles with the 2.3 engine. Every once in a while, but more often lately, I go to start it and not much happens. All the lights come on as usual, but it does not start or even turn over, just silence. I can remove the key and immediately try again and it will start. It used to happen once every few months or longer, but now it seems to happen almost every day. Any help would be appreciated.

I have a 98 ranger, 100500 miles with the 2.3 engine. Every once in a while, but more often lately, I go to start it and not much happens. All the lights come on as usual, but it does not start or even turn over, just silence. I can remove the key and immediately try again and it will start. It used to happen once every few months or longer, but now it seems to happen almost every day. Any help would be appreciated.

My 98 5speed Ranger (think it's a 2.5 in 98) would not start when I pulled into my dirt driveway. Fine everywhere else. Finally just stopped in the parking lot. Tow truck driver saw starter motor was loose so got it home, saw 2 long thin bolts on starter were loose, one sheared off so replaced it with new lifetime warranty from Kragen for about $125. Maybe if I had retighted those bolts it would have been ok. Works fine now.

monstorjob,
I am having the same problem,1995 ranger.Have you figured out your problem?You can email me at [email protected]. thanks

Havne't figured out whats wrong yet. whenever I plan on taking it in, the problems stop for a while. When I do take it in, I'll post what they tell me.

"I can remove the key and immediately try again and it will start. It used to happen once every few months or longer, but now it seems to happen almost every day. Any help would be appreciated."


Could be the switch. The starter will usually drag a little before going out. A starter gets a flat spot on it.........sometimes you have to wait until the engine cools for it to work. Sometimes you can turn the switch and tap on the starter to crank the motor. My 1992 has a solenoid right beside the battery. I think if it goes out you would hear a clicking noise? Any help here?

My problems sounds the same - turn on the key - all the electrical comes on but starter doesn't engage. Sometimes it hit on first try - other times it takes up to ten tries. This AM though I thought it wasn't going to go at all - took the better part of 20 minutes and at least a 100 tries before it engaged. Ingition switch? Clutch switch? Any thoughts?