2000 Ford Ranger solenoid starter connections

Is the solenoid on the starter or the inner fender on your vehicle?

It is on the starter

It actually sounds like a bad starter. If the solenoid energises but the starter doesn't turn, chances are it is bad. I recommend removing it and having it bench tested at a parts store.

Let me know what you find.

My starter works when I jumped both terminals of the solenoid. This is why I asked you if I can use solid state relay instead.

It may work, but I would recommend staying with direct fit parts. When you change things, there always seems to be a problem.

Silly Question
Do you know what solid state relay is?

Yes

Why do say "it may work" then?
No break and make contacts, no arcing, just electronic switching. It should be good and last longer I guess.

I am asked to recommend direct fit OEM type parts to avoid any problems. Will it work? I don't see why not. However, I can't make that recommendation to you incase there is a problem.

Try to think of the potential problems that could occur if we said good idea to every modification people wanted to make. Please understand, most of the people that ask questions know very little about cars. We even had to add "how to open your hood" directions. When they start trying to modify factory parts, things can go bad really fast.

However, there are many people that are very bright and good mechanics that ask for help too. The problem is, I can't tell who is who via the net.

Ok.
I'm sorry, I didn't know if you had to be withinn certain parameters.
Thanks anyway.

Not a problem. If you ever have questions in the future that you need help with (OEM type) I have access to a lot of info and would be glad to help.

Joe