About 3 years ago I had taken my Ranger to Walmart ( I know :( ) and they called me to the oil change bay to tell me my truck was dead and wouldn't start. Come to find out, All I had to do to start it was to push the inertia switch.

They claimed they hit anything or do anything to cause the fuel pump to shut off. They even went so far as to claim that it may be going bad and that I need to have it fixed.

I did nothing, and for the last 3 years I've had no issues with it. Recently, I turned off the road at a furniture shop and bought a mattress and dryer, Had them loaded in the back, started the truck, started to take off and it stalled out and died. Wouldn't crank. Called a tow truck, they said it would be like 3 hours for them to get there (go figure, It was in Houston.) In that time, I decided to try the inertia switch just to see if it would work and it did.

It started right up and I drove home (50 miles.)

The next day, I drove my wife to school and on the way, the truck died again. This time, while I was on the road. Pushed the inertia switch again, started right up and worked fine for the rest of the day.

What's the issue ? Do I have a bad fuel pump or a bad inertia switch ? What do I do to fix the problem ?

I've had so many issues with this truck from day one that I'm thinking about just selling it to carmax and being done with it.

Can anyone offer opinions ? I'd appreciate it !

 

Replace the inertia switch, I am sure they don't cost too much. If it was your fuel pump, you would still be broke down. Some people get rid of the inertia switch and wire it direct but don't do that as it serves a purpose.

 

Thanks for the reply, How much does it usually cost to replace the switch ?

I've read where some people say they've pulled the fuse for the inertia switch..

 

I did a quick search and you are looking at 30-40 dollars for it. I cannot look at Oreillys or Autozone right now because both their sites are doing maintenance, go figure. At least you know that it is not the fuel pump! lol I just did my fuel pump and I paid $202 after tax. You can do some searches and maybe get it cheaper but those switches do go out from time to time so at least you know exactly what needs replacing!

 

Thanks ! I appreciate your help !

 

Definitely the inertia switch, and don't bypass it.

 

yeah never by pass or it will **** up fuel pump well atleast thats wat i heard

 

You heard wrong . It is only a switch that cuts power to the pump. In no way can it damage the pump.
The inertia switch is in place as a safety in the event of a collision to remove power to the pump.