[69ChevyC10]

I'm trying to figure out way the starter switch on my 1988 Ford Ranger wont stay on . I fired it up about three months ago and I didnt have problem now the switch wont stay on any ideas.

[matt167]

the key goes back to an off position or the engine dies after startup?

[carsavvycook]

Originally Posted by 69ChevyC10

I'm trying to figure out way the starter switch on my 1988 Ford Ranger wont stay on . I fired it up about three months ago and I didnt have problem now the switch wont stay on any ideas.

Battery or cable problems. Take the cables off of the battery and clean them. They most likely have a heavy black look on the battery posts, which is caused by a heavy amp draw while cranking while low on charge.

Voltage is King, and most important when a vehicle is stored for even a couple of months.

[69ChevyC10]

Originally Posted by matt167

the key goes back to an off position or the engine dies after startup?

All electrical works but the key goes back to an off position.

[carsavvycook]

It could be the electrical portion of the ignition switch is coming apart, but I can't stress double checking the battery cable connections enough.

Yesterday I checked why a 2000 Ford Explorer Sport 4.0L would not pass the smog test. Codes P0171 and P0174 too lean banks 1 and 2, which were the failed smog problem. I cleaned the dirty mass air flow sensor, and sent him on a drive that would set most of the monitors to "ready" in the computer. He came back with a complaint of low on power and miss firing with the check engine light on. It had codes for cylinder's #3 & 5 miss fires and a coil pack power fault problem. I cleaned the battery cable connections, and sent him back on the same route. He came back saying it ran perfect and his alarm and door locks worked better, and the check engine light was not on, and all of the monitors were set to ready. He left here and went to the "smog only" and it passed with perfect numbers. JMO