95 Ranger, 4 cylinder 5 speed.

Started fine, as it always has previously. Drove 4 miles to get gas - filled up - but then car wouldn't start. Just got it towed home.

• Car doesn't try to start at all - not even a click
• Lights all turn on / are bright. Stereo comes on fine. Trying to jump start didn't help
• If you turn on headlights and try to start - headlights don't dim at all. Like it's not even trying to start.
• Checked / switched ignition fuse under the hood - no change.

This whole - drove fine, but doesn't seem to try to start at all now - I'm thinking:

1. Clutch pedal sensor, or
2. It has a 'theft deterrent' thingy - where if one removes this little chip, it will behave exactly like this - not try to start at all. Chip is in, backup chip swapped out - no change. So something not completing a circuit in that system

A third option, or would you expect it's one of those?

Also I'm kinda stupid - how would I go about troubleshooting this?


Edit:

1. If I jump the terminal on the starter solenoid - car starts fine.
2. If I jump the ignition terminal on the starter solenoid - car starts fine.

So I think it's some issue with the ignition signal not getting to the starter solenoid. Not really sure how to test what part is the problem, though.

Thanks,

 

- turns out it was a broken wire in the steering column.