hey everyone.
looked here and you tube. found nothing or I just probably suck at doing searches because I do not put in the correct wording.
my 98 ranger 3.0 was running. it has sat now for about 3 months with out starting. finally put on a new rack and pinion and went to start it up and have a no start now. it will crank for ever. I pushed the sharder valve on the fuel rail and fuel shot out. can it be the crank sensor? can some one send a video or directions how to test the crank sensor. maybe that is it. when I crank the engine the rpm's do not move. it is dead. the check engine light comes on and the oil pressure gauge goes up. also is their instructions how to test the ignition coil.
thanks

 

50/50 test
Spray fuel into the intake, gasoline or Quick Start(ether)

Crank engine
If its starts and dies then no fuel delivery
If it doesn't start then no spark
50/50

If you have a OBD2 reader you can check for codes
The 3.0l has TWO RPM detectors
Crank sensor
CAM sensor
Computer(PCM) compares them, crank sensor is the main one, and it is the only sensor that could cause a no start
But they rarely fail, and PCM would set a code if you were cranking engine and it was only getting a CAM sensor pulse

You can test crank sensor with volt meter set to AC Volts
In 1998 it will have a Grey and Dark Blue wire(black wire is a shield/ground)
Wires run up to top of engine and then to the connector, I think
You can use sewing needles to pierce the wires

You should see .5-1volt AC at 200rpms, cranking speed

There are 3 coils in the coil pack, engine would still start if one coil failed, it would still fire if two coils failed, all 3 failing...................buy a lotto ticket soon, lol
You can test red wire on coil pack, it should show 12v with key on

 

can i spray gas down the intake? will lthat work?or do I need a can that shoots far?
I hooked up my scanner to try and get rpms when cranking but the scanner says it can not connect or its not supported or something. I have an innova 31703

 

Yes, it will suck the gas vapor in

Have you used that scanner on this vehicle before?
Does the scanner power up, I assume it does, so OBD Fuse is OK

 

yes I used the scanner before on the ranger. it was fine. just sprayed starter fluid in the throttle body. it fired up and ran for like 3 seconds or so then died. I pushed the shrader valve on the fuel rail and fuel sprayed out.

 

is the rpm gauge supposed to move when cranking? my is dead at zero

 

If engine started then spark is working, so crank sensor is working

Your fuel injectors are not working if you have fuel in the rail, i.e. schrader valve
There will be a Red wire that daisy chains from one injector to the next, it should have 12volts with key on

Yes, Tach should show RPMs when cranking and that comes from the computer

So starting to look like a computer issue
No injectors
No Tach
No communications

Unhook battery
Remove the large computer connector and inspect it and the pins, looking for corrosion/water intrusion

 

that sucks. what year computer can I use if it is the computer? can I use a computer from any other vehicle? what year?
I have the auto in mine. I think it is the 4r44e. I need one of those too. (basically impossible to find)
thank you.

 

1998 3.0l automatic computer is what you would need
No, no other year for 1998 models, 1997 was lower fuel pressure, 1999 was different cam sensor and had PATS in 3.0l
Just be glad you don't have PATS or you would have to get Ford involved

You need to get the part number off your computer, it will be: F87F-12A650-???
The last set(???) of letters/numbers tells what engine and transmission it is for, you need to match that if possible

There will also be a Stamped number/letter on the label thats the software version that was loaded at the factory


Yes, 1998 3.0l Ranger would use the 4R44E automatic, why do you need a new one?
1995-2000 3.0l used 4R44E

 

ok. I will look at the computer.
I need a tranny. I asked questions a while ago. my reverse went out. no reverse. can not find a tranny either. I think I will try to rebuild myself. just trying to get it going and drive it till I get tranny fixed.

 

little confused. I sprayed starter fluid in the intake. it started. would it not start regardless of what is wrong with the engine. even it the crank sensor was bad. I sprayed starter fluid to start. would the fluid not just by pass the crank sensor and make it start.

 

ok. just checked injectors. I pulled the pig tail off the injector. I stuck the red lead into the side with the red wire and the black lead into the side with the white wire. I got 12v with key to the position right before you turn it to start.

 

 

is their anything I can check from the computer wiring to see what the problem may be. or do you just say replace the computer. I just am scared to spend the money and it still not start. I guess it could be something else as well besides the computer.

 

pins on computer looked good/ looked bran new. their was water that did get where the computer sits. it was under the computer and dried white. like when winter comes with salt and the water dries but leaves the salt after. that's what it looks like

 

You can open the computer, warranty is over, lol, have a look inside for burnt or discolored areas

Crank sensor is at the front of the engine next to the crank pulley
When crank turns the crank sensor sends a pulse to the computer, its a timing pulse to tell it when #1 cylinder is at TDC(top dead center) so computer knows when to Spark and when to open injectors.......for all 6 cylinders
If engine starts with starting fluid then computer is getting the crank timing pulse

 

ok. thanks.. I will look for new computer. and tranny too. think I still may rebuild. getting one from junk yard is 50/50. too much time involved for 50/50 chance of working.

 

You can use a 2001-2008 5R44E from a 3.0l, in a 1998-2000 3.0l Ranger, its the same transmission just has 2 extra sensors on the outside which you don't plug in/use

You can not swap the other way i.e. 1998 4R44E into 2002 5R44E but can do it 2002 into 1998, as an example

And no it doesn't make your 1998 a 5-speed, lol, 5R44E is same transmission as 4R44E, the 5th gear is just 1st with OD on, a faux 2nd gear, made possible by computer software, and no you can't use newer computer in 1998, other changes prevent that

You may have to swap over your DTR Sensor, just have to check the plug in on the 5R44E's DTR sensor, this is the sensor on the shifter, drivers side trans




If you can't "talk" to the computer its a pretty good sign computer is bad

You want to match the -AAB at the end of the part number, this denotes 3.0l and automatic, but there are other 3.0l/auto ending numbers

The larger Stamped number, JTC1, is the software version loaded at the factory during assembly, which is important, but older or newer will work fine

Ford NEVER released any info on these numbers, computer resellers can often use your VIN to get matching computer and load correct software

 

What if I cannot match the ABB what if it’s different letters will it still work. I got to get it on the road it’s my only vehicle

 

From a quick look the F87F-12A650-AAB was also used with Manual transmission 3.0l Rangers but that was just one listing, and wouldn't work for your automatic vehicle

FS1 looks like they can load the factory software on the correct computer

 

Seems like it’s just gonna be easier to convert it to a five Speed there’s way more things available than an automatic

 

What about if the computer does not have a BB. Example FBC, DJR. Those were just example letters

 

OK found nothing at the junkyard. All other years except for a 98 3.0 automatic. That’s how it goes. Have you ever heard of the computers being tested? I guess there’s a couple parts stores around here that you can hook the computer up to and they will tell you if it’s working or not. Is that accurate enough

 

OK found a couple computers by me. They do not end in ABB though. They end in EKA and BNA. I know you said to use the ABB. What would happen if I used one of these other computers.

 

Also the sticker that says JTC1. One of those letters are different. Also after the ABB there is a G what if that letter is different