WHY IS MY 98 FORD RANGER CRANKING BUT NOT STARTING? IT WAS STARTING WHEN THE ENGINE WAS COLD BUT AFTER IT WARMED UP NO START.NOW IT WILL CRANK THE MOTOR BUT DOESNT START EVER. IT WILL PUSH START.

SOURCE: Hard to start when engine warm

crankshaft sensor may be going bad

SOURCE: ford ranger will not start

check your crankshaft sensor to see that its not got a broken wire

SOURCE: 1996 Ford Ranger won't start

I had the same problem , and if you read your book, it could be the fuel pump shut off switch, mine was bad and went from on to off position, its usually under the passenger side of the dash, look underneath at the "top" of the carpet, and you'll see a little red switch, check to see if the thing is plugged in , if it is , check to see if the switch is all the way down. i had to get a new one , sombody must have kicked mine and made it broken, but i got a new one and it worked fine

SOURCE: wont start

the starter might need to be shimmed. i'm not sure what the starter sounded like when you tried it, but if it sounds like it is grinding, you may need to purchase a shim from the parts store.
i also don't know how long you tried to crank the starter, but it may just be overheating. (they do get ho quickly) if you burn out the solenoid, you are out of luck.
i would take the starter off the motor and have it tested at the autopart store. (some junkyards will do it too, i've had more honest answers from the local junkyard than a few part stores).

SOURCE: 94 ford ranger 4.0 L engine. intermittent starting probs

Do these Fords have a crankshaft position sensor? What about a faulty ignition module?