Just hoping to get some other opinions here.

I have a 2003 Ranger 2.3l (manual, RWD) approximately 91000 miles
About as basic as can be, but it has been a great little truck up to recently.

Currently it cranks forever but won't start unless I spray starter fluid at the intake, and it runs very rough while the starter fluid is burning through then stops.

The problems seemed to start after I got it stuck in my yard like an idiot last spring. I noticed it would start up no problem then when I went to park it, it wouldn't start again for a few hours. It was throwing a CEL at this point which I believe was P1004 and pointed to the IMRC. I did find that one of the hoses running to this was cracked and have already replaced it.

The fuel is old, probably 6-9 months (sorry I am not 100% sure). Haven't yet been able to get it drained and refilled with fresh fuel.

I've replaced the fuel filter and tried replacing the inertia switch (I thought this was logical since it had quite a few jolts trying to get it out of my backyard) but returned that when it didn't solve the problem. The battery was also replaced and to be safe I've been leaving it on a float charger indoors until I get this figured out. I've swapped relays to try and rule out anything there as well.

At this point I am thinking about replacing the fuel pump and of course draining all the old fuel.

Any suggestions or other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

Welcome to the forum

Ford computers will run the fuel pump for 2 seconds EACH TIME the key is turned on, only for 2 seconds but EACH TIME key is turn from OFF to ON(RUN)

So listen if the fuel pump is coming on, it is not quiet, you can hear the HUMMMM in the cab, turn the radio down, lol.

You know where the inertia switch is, so you can test there if fuel pump is getting 12volts with key on.
Again it will only happen for 2 seconds, when key is turned on, rest of the time(key on) you will see 5 to 7 volts, it has no amps, it is monitor voltage from computer.

If you can't hear the HUMMM and you do get 12volts at inertia switch then yes, fuel pump has failed.

Lifting or sliding back the bed is easiest access to change pump.

Starter fluid is ether, easy to ignite with spark but doesn't burn well, so engine will not sound or run well on just ether.

There is also a pressure test port on the fuel rail, what fuel injectors are hooked to, test port looks like a tire's air valve, and may have a cap like a tire valve
It operates the same as a tire valve, press center pin and fuel should squirt out.

2003 fuel system should have 65psi fuel pressure, so watch out pressing that pin.

2003 Ranger also has PATS(passive anti-theft system), this requires you to use a PATS key to start the engine.
If wrong key or bad key is used then the fuel pump and fuel injectors will not work.
Spark still works

There should be a Theft Light in the dash, it should come on with the key so you know the bulb is working
This Theft light will flash rapidly if wrong key or bad key is used in ignition.

Engine will start and run with faulty IMRC, it just won't run well, it will lack power

 

Thank you for the response and the suggestions.

I went ahead and just ordered a fuel pump because I found a good deal on it. Pulled my liner and working on getting the last 2 bolts out of the bed. I figure I'm close enough to 100,000 miles it would probably be an expected repair soon, anyhow.

As far as I can tell, there is no noise from the pump. Maybe a very subtle click, but no buzzing I've been able to detect. I notice it in my Mustang and my wife's Fiesta, so I don't think I'm just missing it. Also using the same keys I've always used and I've tried both, so I think I'm okay there but I'll keep it in mind if I'm SOL after replacing the pump.

 

Ford fuel pump is not quiet, you would hear it.

Good deals on fuel pumps are out there, but motorcraft pumps seem to last, 13 years for yours, 22 years on my '94.

Hold on to the receipt just in case 3rd party pumps often have 1 or 2 year warranties, doesn't cover labor
Motorcraft pump has 60day warranty, lol

 

I had that problem with my 2004 Ranger, Duratec/stickshift, 55k miles. The truck would crank for as long as I held the key on, but wouldn't start. I checked everything, swapped out the relay, checked the crash switch, everything I could think of. Then, it simply started. What did I do to make it suddenly start? Damned if I knew.

Finally, it happened again, and it was sitting in the driveway. I wondered if it was the fuel pump; so I got outta the truck, reached under the truck and bitch-slapped the gas tank with my open hand. I got in the truck and it started perfectly. That was six months ago and the problem hasn't happened since.

I think the fuel pump might have a weak electrical connection, or a sticky spot in the pump motor.