I have a 2000 Ford Ranger (stick shift) that failed to start twice last weekend. I turn the key and nothing happens. All dash lights look normal. I pushed the clutch in and out a few times and also switched the key on and off and eventually it started after several attempts. It seems to start reliably at home in cool conditions. Both failures occured after the truck had been sitting in the sun for several hours. Maybe a temperature problem. I have been advised the problem is probably not the starter or solenoid since I don't hear the click of the solenoid, just total silence. There is also a security (Clifford) device installed by the dealer that prevents the engine from starting if activated. I never use it and leave it in the deactivated condition (steady red light). When activated with a key, the light blinks until the key is inserted. Anyway, I imagine this could be a source of the problem. So. apparently the problem involves either the ignition switch, the clutch switch or the security system. If you were to guess which to replace first, would it be the clutch switch?
I understand I can push-start the truck in second gear, but never done that. So, maybe I should wait until the truck will not start at all and then push start it to get it home? Another idea is to wait until conditions cool off a bit to see if the problem is temperature related.
How would you approach this problem?
-Bill