Hello
I am new to this so i apologize before hand.i have a 2003 ranger xlt and really dont lnow how to work on vehicles and cant afford a mechanic....anyway every time i try to start it,it runs for a quick second then starts shaking and turns off...can anyone please help ive already missed 2 days of work and its in a parking lot

 

Welcome to the forum

2003 Ranger with 3.0l V6 engine

Reads like fuel pressure is being lost

I have to ask this so DO NOT GET MAD, lol.
Are you SURE there is gasoline in the gas tank, if it was in a parking lot some one could have siphoned all the gas out, so you are simply out of gas.
Open gas cap and rock truck back and forth, you should hear gas sloshing around, if in doubt add a few gallons from a gas can.

Open drivers window, turn key OFF then ON don't try to start engine
Listen for a "HUMMM" from the gas tank, that would be the fuel pump, it only runs for 2 seconds, but 2 seconds each time key is turned from OFF to ON.

It is not quiet, you can hear it if it is working
Repeat key OFF and ON as much as you need to it won't hurt anything.

If you can hear it then repeat the OFF/ON at least 3 more times, that will build up fuel pressure
Then try to start engine
If it starts and runs a little longer then you probably have a failing fuel pump, it can't hold pressure in the system so engine runs out of gas.

Were there any other symptoms prior to this "no start", was engine missing or running rough?
Did engine power seem sluggish?
Limited top speed?

You could have a clogged Fuel Filter, so gas flow to engine is limited, this filter should be changed every 5 years or so, it is in the frame rail under drivers seat area, costs about $10-$15
You do need a tool to release the hose fittings but a plastic one often comes with the new filter


Other thing, Long shot
Check tail pipe
If you have friends, or enemies, that like a good joke
Potato up the tail pipe causes similar problem.
Clogged exhaust lets engine start but it will stall soon after because air/exhaust can't get out

 

MisfitMonkey

Welcome to the Ranger Forum. The fuel pump as Ron stated sounds like it. Of course Ron's knowledge is vast. He knows a lot about Rangers and engines.

I hope that helps. I got a locking gas cap for my Ranger. I had a vapor issue. With the locking cap. You know it is air tight. Never a guess.

Jim

 

Wow...Ron i think u are spot on.i did try tha and it did run a bit longer than it has...and yes i do have gas in it lol.it broke down on me while i was driving it and managed to get it to the parking lot.do you think it could just b a clogged fuel filter? Or straight up just the pump(witch im hoping just the filter lol)...thank you for the info,if i have any more questions i will definitely message you

 

Well filter is not too expensive and if you have never changed it you might as well do it.

Because you can "hear" the fuel pump start each time key is turned on(right?), I would think the Fuel Pump Relay is working just fine.
And fuel pump Fuse and inertia switch is OK, they either work or they don't(blown)

You can get your 2003 Owners Manual here: https://www.ranger-forums.com/genera...1-models-3747/

Good thing to have for fuses and relays

As far as you know this truck was never wrecked or in an accident right?

No Rebuilt or Salvaged Title?

Reason for asking is that the Inertia switch is used to pass power to the fuel pump, if there is an accident the weight inside it will move and it will cut power to fuel pump to prevent fuel from feeding a fire if a fuel line should break.
These do have a Reset Button on them, but only to allow vehicle to be moved after a small fender bender, once tripped they have to be replaced or they can trip again just by hitting a bump or slamming the door.

The inertia switch is located in passenger foot well just above carpet under glove box or behind passenger kick panel up at the top

Google: Ranger inertia switch images

Just a small black box with Red Button on the top

Longshot......it could be passing voltage to pump when sitting still, but as soon as you activate starter and truck starts to vibrate when it starts power to pump is being cut
Press the button to reset it.

But must likely cause of the problem is the fuel pump itself

 

Hey my name is Caleb and I have a 2006 ford ranger sport 2wd with 215xxx miles I have been having the problem of my truck shutting off and losing all power when driving and even sometimes at idle I have already replaced the fuel pump and fuel filter along with the relay and it is still doing the exact same thing as before even after replacing please help

 

Welcome to the forum

You should start your own thread, this is an old one.

2006 Ranger
What engine?

2WD or 4x4?
manual or automatic?

"my truck shutting off and losing all power"
Is the electrical power shutting off or just the engine, and the dash lights are still working