Hi all:

On my 2001 4.0L V6 SOHC Ranger Edge, I just finished replacing the upper and lower control arms and the tie-rod end on the passenger side. I put everything back together, reconnected the vacuum reservoir that's on the inside of the wheel well liner, and put the wheel back on. And now the ranger won't start... it cranks but never starts.

Anyone have any ideas what I could've done to cause this? I never even opened the hood during all these repairs, so I don't see how I could've screwed up something on the engine.

Thanks!
Craig

 

Welcome to the forum

I assume there is no Flashing "theft" light on the dash when you turn on the key, or you would have mentioned that?

You could have blown a fuse, long shot but you are correct nothing in the wheel wells should effect engine systems
When you turn on the key you should HEAR the fuel pump in the gas tank run for 2 seconds, it only runs for 2 seconds, but it will do that EVERY TIME you turn the key from off to on
If not then check Fuel Pump fuse in engine fuse box
Inertia switch is on the passenger side in the cab, if you dropped the truck hard taking it off the jack then you could have tripped it, cutting power to fuel pump

You can do a 50/50 test since engine cranks
Spray fuel into the intake and try to start engine
If it starts and dies then you have a fuel system problem
If it doesn't start then you have a spark plroblem
50/50

 

Fixed it. Turns out I'd triggered the inertia switch while doing my work. Reset it by pressing the little button down in the passenger's foot area, and now it starts right up. Thanks for the quick feedback Ron!

 

Good work

I would look at replacing that inertia switch, vehicle was most likely in an accident in the past and it was tripped at that time, and not replaced
The Reset button is there so vehicle can be moved, if possible, after an accident, they can not be reset fully, a speed bump or driving off a curb can trip them after first time trip

And NO, a wrecking yard is NOT a good place to get another one, no explanation should be required, lol.

 

+1! I had a old crown vic that I bought with a previously tripped inertia switch... I set it off several times by just slamming the passengers door or tossing tools on the floor of the front seat until I replaced it. Wouldn't be fun to have that happen hitting a pothole on the highway.