I have a 2000 Ranger 2.5L engine. My cam sensor went bad and the engine was acting up horribly when I started it then would run normally. I used a FIXD device to get the code error which is why I know the cam sensor was bad. I swapped out the cam sensor for a new one but now it won't start. There is power - the battery is charged and everything lights up when I turn on the ignition. But when I try to start it, nothing. No click in the solenoid. Complete silence. The #19 fuse is good. Why did it choose right now to not work? Is it related to the cam sensor? Is there something I have to reset? When I changed the cam sensor I removed the positive battery cable. Could that have caused the problem? I'm going to try to check the starter relay and find out where there isn't any power. I have the schematic and layout diagram of the engine compartment fuse box but it's all so confusing I'm bumbling around. Any suggestions on how to proceed? Should I be tracing wires or go right to the starter?

 

Welcome to the forum

Check Fuse 24(7.5amp) in cab fuse box, it only has 12v with key turned to START, that's the 12v that activates the starter relay in engine fuse box

No, changing the Cam sensor shouldn't cause a No Crank situation, so most likely unrelated
The START circuit has no connection to computer or any engine wiring, its a totally separate circuit

Ignition switch(turned to START, 12volt out)------fuse 24-----------"safety switch"--------------starter relay(engine fuse box)------------starter motor "S" post

Manual or automatic?
Has to do with the "safety switch"

Common issue with Ford Column shifters is they get loose and when you shift to Park it doesn't move the DTR sensor on transmission far enough to allow starter motor to activate
Try starting in Neutral
Starter can only be activated in Park or Neutral, DTR is a safety switch, Park is at one end so if shifter is loose it may not move the safety switch all the way over, even through transmission is in Park
Google: Ford Ranger loose shifter

For manuals there is a Clutch safety switch, on the clutch pedal, clutch pedal must be down all the way to activate starter motor

 

Yup, I'm dumb as can be. I checked EVERYTHING except the starter because I was sure it had to be a glitch somewhere. It would be too much of a coincidence for the starter to go bad at the same time I replaced the cam sensor. But coincidences do happen and after I followed the signal right down to the starter and everything was good, I pulled the starter and sure enough, it was bad. I bought the truck last October and the starter was dated Sept. 2021 in yellow marker so the previous owner must have gotten a starter out of a junk yard and slapped it in so he could sell the truck.

I want to thank you for your input. I have read numerous threads on this website and gotten a wealth of information that has enabled me to work on my Ranger. I can't afford a mechanic so it's either I do it myself or I walk.