94 Ford Ranger Won't Turn Over

Vehicle Info
94 Ford Ranger
Automatic
135,000 kms (83,835 miles)
V-6 245ci 4.0L

For a while now my 94 Ford Ranger will (only sometimes) not turn over (ie- engine makes a lot of noise but seems to be missing either fuel or a spark).

Since this only happens every once and a while, I started trying to see what happens differently when it turns over as opposed to when it doesn't.

When it is working normally the check engine light usually comes on briefly while turning the key in the ignition.

If it's not going to turn over, the check engine light will not come on at all.

When this happens, I turn the key forward a half turn (I stop the key at the point right before when it would normally try to start), then wait a while (ususally less than 5 minutes) for the check engine light to come on. When that light comes on I can hear a short groan (like something just engaged itself in the engine) and then I can start like normal.

This is the only way that I've found to get the truck to tell me when it's ready to go. Without the key turned forward I would have no way of knowing when that check engine light was going to work. Before I figured this out I would often have to just leave it over night and then it would work the next day.

Keep in mind though that normally it starts with no problem. The problem seems only to occur every couple of days or so. Sometimes it happens multiple times in a day.

I figure showing a mechanic this should help but who knows. I'm not going to take it anywhere till I know what's causing it. I myself am not mecahnically inclined. That is great slueth work. Im sure one of the top notch mechanics on this site will give you some more clues as to the cause. Sorry I cant help as it sounds like an electrical problem and that is definetly not my area. From your descriotion, I would venture a SWAG that the ignition switch is starting to fail. sounds like a bad crank sensorCar Repair Talk's forum.