My 1994 ford ranger seams to have a starter problem ( 5 speed ). My question, is there a way to bumb start it?

Question

The clutch has to be engaghed to start it,is there some kind of ford way to bypass the clutch senser?? I've figured out my way to improvise, the last time I ran into a "bump start" situation, the old truck would start with or without the clutch engaghed.I even looked around for the manuel that came with the truck, but, no luck ( it basicly told you how to pump gas and empty the ashtray!! forcing people to go back to ford, useless )I 've got two days before the holiday is over and a client hands me a check......Is there a "official" bypass?? or do I, do my best attempt at jeririgging the sensor????? ThankYou so much for your time.

Answer 1

push start it
get it up to around 5 miles an hour and pop the clutch with the key on.

Answer 2

The sensor you are talking about is called the neutral safety switch. Its located under the clutch, you should be able to see the two wires going to the switch. Your clutch pedal pushes the switch closed. You can connect the 2 sides of the switch with a paperclip, small piece of wire, or remove the switch and connect the wires.

Be careful though... you can start the truck in gear without touching the clutch and the truck will jump either forward or backward depending if you are in 1-5 gear or reverse.

Answer 3

The clutch sensor only controlls the use of the starter. If you put the key in the "on" position, you can still push start the truck. I used to do it all the time with my Ranger. If you just get the truck rolling fast enough, step on the clutch, put it in 1st and then release the clutch. No need to turn the key to the start position. Just keep it in the ON position.

Answer 4

The Clutch sensor that you refer to is designed to keep the starter from engaging unless the clutch is depressed. If you are trying to push (bump) start the truck, the clutch sensor will not come into play. When you push start a vehicle, you are not using the starter.

Answer 5

I would find a small hill to roll down or have 4 friends behind pushing. I would not "bump start" your truck due to damage to / from pushing vehicle unless it is a tow truck with wide tall wood bumper. Please be safe.
Turn key to on position, release e-brake, push in clutch, roll to about 10 mph, have gear in 2nd, (first may lock rear wheels up) lift on clutch to top position and it should start. Now this is not perfered way to do this because extra gas can build up in catalatic converter. But will do in a pinch. remember to head vehicle downhill time when you stop engine again.
Good luck

Answer 6

I think the guy above me nailed it. Sounds like you're shifting too soon. If you have one of those dummy lights that tells you when to shift ignore it. It's set to tell you when to shift to give you the best gas mileage. That doesn't always translate into the best running performance on uneven roads. How often have you done routine maintenance? (tune up, belts, etc...) Some belts are only rated for 70,000 miles or less and need replaced even if they may not seem to be giving you a problem. Can cause the sluggishness if certain belts have worn loose over time. Better to change before they break while you're going down the road.

Answer 7

this happened to me. if you have a manual transmission, (stick shift) you can get someone to give you a push with their car. when you get to ten miles an hour, you can pop the clutch, and put on the gas, and at least get home. this will not solve your problem with your car however. you need to find out why it wouldn't start on it's own. it's usually the starter. that was my problem. also, in the newer cars, 1990 and up, there is a plug that goes into your starter that may have come loose. this could be your problem too. lift your car, see if the plug in has come loose. if it has, plug it back in, and you are good to go.

Answer 8

just turn the key on and push start it like you normally do, the sensor just won't let you engage the starter