I am by no means a mechanic, but can usually figure things out.
Short version. When I am trying to start my truck, pressing the gas pedal seems to interrupt the starter. Cranking will stop for a bit when I press on the pedal.

I was testing my coils the other other night and had my fuel pump relay pulled out. I only if orange spark from all the plugs and I don't think the coils have ever been changed and I have 170k miles in it.
I got a new coil and put it in. The battery was low, 12 v bot low amps. Probably from Turing it over a bunch of times without starting it.
I hooked it up to my gf's car and tried to start it, but it won't start.
fuel pump and filter are good. Checked the regulator and when I turn the key to on, gas comes through it. I tested by disconnecting it from the rail and pumping gas into a cup.
when I try to start it, it cranks but doesn't start.
when I try to give it has, it seems to short the starter. It will be cranking, then I press the gas and the cranking stops for a second.
I don't know where I should look to see what might be dead or shorted.
any ideas?

 

The year of the Ranger and engine model would help?
Also manual or automatic trans since starting is different for both?


50/50 test
Spray gasoline or starting fluid into the engine then try to start it
If it starts and then dies you have a fuel problem
If it doesn't start you have a spark problem
50/50 instant results of where to look for the problem

 

It's a 99 ranger 4l 4x4. I tried the starter fluid but that didnt seem to work. I only tried it once since input the new coils on last night. I am about to go out and mess with it some more. I am going to test my injectors too to see if any gas is actually getting to the cylinders

 

Yes, repeat 50/50 test

If no start then check Fuse #8(30amp) in engine bay fuse box, and then fuse #19(25amp) in cab fuse box
Looking at a fuse doesn't work, TEST IT or swap it with another fuse

Just pull out 1 spark plug after cranking the engine, it its WET then injectors are working, if its DRY then they are not or there is no fuel at the engine to inject.

Engines are still very easy to troubleshot, in fact easier than 20 years ago since everything is electronic now so rarely fails