I bought a 1996 Mazda b2300. It has no keys but the ignition switch is hanging out. The dude showed me how to start it by arching the starter solenoid on the fender. So I replaced the solenoid on the fender thinking that was causing it not wanting to turn over with out arching it. Now I still have to arch it and I’m stumped. I’ve checked all the fuses and such. Maybe it’s because the thing doesn’t have a key lol but I don’t know. First ever mazda. What else could it be?

 

Get a new lock cylinder. But be aware that may be likely that someone monkeyed with that because the electrical part of the ignition switch was faulty - because one should be able to turn that electrical part with a screwdriver if that was OK.

Ford Ranger 1996 should be the same as your made-in-USA Mazda (for sale in USA, Mazda trucks 1994 on were 99+% same as Rangers).