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Engine won't fire up, help?

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Old 11-07-2011
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Engine won't fire up, help?

Alright. A little while ago (almost a week) I was driving on down the road- truck died. No warnings, no sputtering, to chugging-nothing. Just died. I've combed through every thing I know to look for and have yet to find the problem.

I've ruled out any issues with fuel pump, filter, injectors and lines. I've ruled out the basics: battery related, alternator, starter issues. Spark plugs and wires seem fine. Compression is a-okay as far as I can tell. I've tried ether. Nothing. I've checked distributor cap, timing chain.

I'm fresh out of ideas. I've never had an issue like this before. I keep up on my maintenance. And she wasn't even running rough before/when this happened.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. If more details are needed, ask and I'll do my best to explain. Thanks!
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Will it even turn over or act like it wants to start?
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Yeah, it does. It'll act like it wants to start
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Weird... I got nothing. You already checked the stuff I wouldve checked.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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My problem exactly.
 
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you said spark plugs and wires were fine. are you actually getting spark from the plugs or do they just look good?
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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I'm definitely getting spark.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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no start

Did you check the fuel cut-off switch?
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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How are the battery wires or the connections? Over time they get corroded and fail.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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I've checked the Fuel relay switch, the battery cables appear to be alright- though they are older, so I should replace them anyway.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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u check all fuses as well? i know this seems dumb but sometimes i over diagnose the problem and its something as simple as a damn fuse...lol
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Originally Posted by t740hellrazr
u check all fuses as well? i know this seems dumb but sometimes i over diagnose the problem and its something as simple as a damn fuse...lol
Lol, I've done that before too. Made me feel like an idiot! I've checked all fuses. Each. and every. one. lol.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Inertia switch, maybe.
you need three things to get it to run. Fuel, Air, and Spark.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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How might I check the switch?
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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I think on most models it is in the passenger compartment just underneath the carpet under the glove box. It is attached to the floor and has 2 wires going to it. There is a button on the top, make sure it is pushed in and once that is done, check it with a multimeter to make sure it is good. It is there to shut off the fuel pump in case of a rollover or other severe jolt to the vehicle.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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I figured I knew what it was meant for, and where it was. The red button is depressed- so I will need to check it tonight before it gets too late/too nasty and cold outside. If that is the issue, it'll be a nice and cheap fix. HOWEVER, I am wondering-- if the switch is faulty in anyway, would it shut off the fuel pump? Because I have checked the fuel pump and can safely confirm that it's fine.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Yea, that switch turns off the fuel system after an accident/bump/some form of impact. To reset the system, you have to push it.
 
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When you turn the key, do you hear the fuel pump cycle?
it sounds to me like you have a fuel delivery issue.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Yeah, if the switch is faulty, it will stop the current from getting to the fuel pump. I had a similar problem, Betsy would crank over fine and she was getting fuel, I could hear the fuel pump come on and there was some fuel coming out when I changed the filter as well. I checked the fuel pressure at the fuel rail and it was less than 5lbs. When I depressed the valve, fuel came out but normally it will spray out. I ended up changing the fuel pump (which this site helped me alot) since I also broke one of the plastic clips that keep the fuel line on and someone said to use a zip tie if this happens and it works great. Depress your schrader valve and see if any fuel comes out and if it is just a small amount, it could be your fuel filter plugged up or your fuel pump.
 
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Old 11-07-2011
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Thanks! I will definitely take another look tomorrow after work. I'm hoping I can at least get this problem diagnosed soon, this truck WAS my daily driver.
 
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Old 11-08-2011
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What year is this?

Also rent a fuel pressure to test with. Will help a lot.
 
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Old 11-08-2011
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90 4.0L, ohv. She has an intro thread. Nicole, don't forget to make a signature.
 
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Old 11-08-2011
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I don't have manuals for that year, but that truck does not have a distributor correct? But the 2.9 does.


Taken a stab in the dark here but the crank trigger may cause a no start as the computer has no reference on timing.
 
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Old 11-08-2011
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Originally Posted by Blhde
I don't have manuals for that year, but that truck does not have a distributor correct? But the 2.9 does.


Taken a stab in the dark here but the crank trigger may cause a no start as the computer has no reference on timing.
But it died when it was running. Do you think it could have jumped timing? I doubt that.
 
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Old 11-08-2011
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I have a manual for that year- it does not have a distributor. And..a signature? And yes, it is a '90
 


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