Hello, I just purchased a 1994 Ranger 4.0.
When the truck is cold or has been sitting for a while it starts perfectly and runs good for as long as I keep it running.
After I shut it off and try to start it I get a crank but no start. When this happens I can usually get it started by performing the engine flood procedure (hold gas pedal down and crank it to burn off excess fuel)
Fuel pressure tests out good, no bleeding and fuel is not leaking into the FPR vacuum line. I'm getting spark and fuel, so I'm thinking it might be the ECM.
Any advice?
Thanks

 

Welcome to the foum

Next time its warm and doesn't start see if the CEL(check engine light) goes off when cranking, it should

The CEL comes on when computer(ECM) boots up, and it should go off when it gets the Crank sensor signal from the ICM(EDIS) spark module
If it doesn't get the signal then CEL will stay on and computer won't start injectors

If CEL does go off when cranking, then check TPS(throttle position sensor)
As you know the TPS turns on Clear Flooded Engine, which turns OFF injectors, if its shorting when warm, then injectors would be OFF, and you pushing down on the pedal may clear the short.................
So unplug TPS and see if warm engine starts

Coil pack..............coils run hot, when you turn off the engine air circulation stops, so upper engine bay gets very hot very fast, coil pack can get heat soaked, longshot, and there are 3 coils in the coil pack so for a no start at least 2 would have to be effected, and it would run rough when it did start, until fan cooled things down a bit, so longshot
TPS is also high up in engine bay

I just had to replace the 3 capacitors in my 1994 Computer, 2 were bad, but the symptoms were all over the map, poor running then good running, CEL coming on but no codes
And when there was a code it was an odd one, like 522 clutch switch fault

So problem on warm start only doesn't read like a computer issue, could be, just not the first thing to come to mind
It only cost $3 to replace the capacitors and I am back up and running good as new, just FYI

 

Thank you for the reply, I will check these and report back

 

I’m having the same issues but no engine codes pop up I even went out to buy a obd1 scan tool to try and figure out my problem but it seems as if the scan tool isn’t actually scanning my truck? I can hear the engine start clicking as if it’s doing the engine check process but nothing happens after that??

 

2001 Ranger needs OBD2 reader, 1995 and up is OBD2
1994 and earlier used OBD1

If starter motor doesn't activate with key then its usually a battery cable issue, or starter motor issue
ASSUMING no flashing THEFT light on the dash when key is first turned on

There is no "check engine process", engine should start when you turn the key to START, you can do it as fast as you want, and starter will activate