Why does the starter motor on 1992 ford ranger not turn?

Answer 1

Engine size, symptoms (just happened, solenoid clicks, starter drive clicks, previous intermittant starting problems, saw sparks etc.) would help.

Anyway, dead battery, bad cable to starter, bad ground, bad starter, solenoid not working, ignition key/cylinder wiring issues. Check to make sure the battery has voltage (12-12.5 v), use a digital multimeter ($10-15.00). If its got good voltage you can try the following. Have someone in the car turning the key to the crank position and get something to tap the starter to see if you can jar the contacts. if it starts then go buy a starter, if not you will have to follow the wiring from the battery to the starter to see which piece in the circuit has failed. If in doubt about any of this take it in and have it repaired proffesionally Keep in mind you don't have to buy a meter to measure the voltage (that is, if you can still get your car going, but if you've passed that point...ooops)...you can also just drop by the closest autoparts store (like Napa, Schucks, etc...) They will do free electrical testing. Infact, if you are hardy enough to yank out your starter (not hard to do), you can have that tested as well. Similar to the "hit the starter" method...try josteling wires while person #2 trys to start the car... that's how I figured out where my wiring was awry. Another way to tell if its NOT the battery....can you turn the key to the first position (car not on but electrical on) and switch on the lights....if it works, with no dimming of dash or lights...it's not your battery. HOWEVER, IF IT DOESN'T WORK, THAT DOES NOT INDICATE A BATTERY PROBLEM.