Have a 2003 2.3 ranger. Truck started running ruff. Checked engine codes and 0303 (miss fire) 0316 (timing) came up. Verified timing was good, Put everything back together and now I don’t have spark (had spark before took apart). Traced it all out and everything is hooked up. Engine turns over. Replaced coil and crank sensor. What am I missing?

 

Welcome to the forum

CEL(check engine light) should come on with key on, verify that
Then CEL should go off when you crank engine over, that means Crank sensor is working

If CEL doesn't go off then computer doesn't know you are trying to start engine, it needs to see timing pulses from crank sensor

If it does then spark will start instantly and fuel injectors after 1 or 2 seconds

There is no specific fuse for spark, fuse 19 in cab fuse box powers the coil but it also powers other things like the PCM Relay so CEL wouldn't come on with the key if fuse 19 was blown

To test for spark you should do 50/50 test, spark testers are not reliable, never were
Spray fuel into the intake and crank engine
If it starts and then dies you have spark at the right time but no fuel delivery
If it doesn't start then you have no spark or NO compression
50/50 instant results

This Test has been used reliably since the 1880's, so you can think of it as a Tradition, lol

 

Thanks for the input. I don’t have much experience and have a friend helping. Didn’t use tester. We used the screw driver method to test for spark. Checked for voltage at coil when starting and got nothing. I don’t think I have power to coil. Shouldn’t I also see rpm needle moving when turning over. It doesn’t move at all. That’s why I changed the crank sensor.

 

CEL will go off when there is RPM, and yes usually tach will move a bit, crank speed is only 200rpm though

And is the CEL coming on?
Thats a big deal if it isn't
And will help solve the problem

 

CEL comes on when turn key on to power dash and goes off when turn key to start engine. Engine rotates still no spark from plug wire. Replaced cam sensor recently as well. Someone mentioned mega fuse but can’t find anything on location. Traced out wiring and still can’t find it.

 

Repair manual doesn’t show one. Could this be my issue with no power?

 

You don't have a Mega Fuse in a 2003 Ranger

CEL coming on means computer has 12volts, CEL going off when cranking means computer is seeing crank sensor pulse and has started spark and fuel injectors

You can check fuse #19(25amp) in cab fuse box, it powers the coil, you may have blown it when you changed parts
Coil should have a 3 wire connector, the RED center wire should have 12volts with Key ON, thats from fuse 19

And always do the 50/50 test on any engine that cranks but doesn't start
50/50 test
Spray fuel into the engine and try to start
If it starts and dies you have a fuel problem
If its doesn't start then its a spark problem
50/50 instant results

There is no other way to test for spark and fuel on a 1985 or up EFI gasoline engine
Fuel pressure means nothing
No spark with a spark testers means less than nothing, series wiring, and if there is spark it doesn't tell if its at the right time
Just do the 50/50 test