I have been having a really weird starting problem. My other thread describing it is here:
https://www.ranger-forums.com/sohc-2-3l-2-5l-lima-engines-135/98-ranger-wont-start-after-sitting-couple-hours-125809/

1998 Reg Cab 2wd Stepside Ranger w/ 2.5L 4cyl engine and standard tranny.

Anyway I have changed a whole list of parts trying to get my truck to start with the key and starter. It just cranks and cranks and will not fire. I can pop start it from a roll no problem though.

Replaced:
starter (4 times)
battery
battery cables
ignition switch
coil packs

Recently Replaced (6 months ago):
used relacement 2.5L engine with 58k miles out of a 2000 ranger
new clutch and resurfaced flywheel
new plugs and wires
timing belt replacement


cleaned maf, egr, throttle body
iac is good
all relays, fuses, and grounds are good
fuel pressure is good and has new filter
all vacumn lines are good

still no start when I turn the key. its driving me nuts

I have talked to tons of people and I'm am now leaning towards a crank position sensor.

My question is how do I replace it? I know where it is and it's tough to get to. What do I have to remove in order to access the bolts and wire harness? And do I have to set the crankshaft in any particular position when I put it in? I have searched and could not come up with much on the subject.

Attached is a picture showing the location of the ckps.

Thanks for any help

 

If you can pop start it , it is not the crank sensor that is the problem.The PCM needs the sensor to time the ignition pulses. If the sensor was bad =no start or run.

 

what else could be bad in my ignition timing that I havne't already replaced

 

check for spark while cranking and right when you go to let off the key, the ignition switch could be bad

 

my mechanic seems to think the crank sensor being bad is causing too much back pressure to start my truck with the starter. He said it is still possible to pop start a vehicle with a bad sensor. I don't know for sure.

and my ignition switch was just replaced 2 days ago.

I still wanna replace the crank sensor. It's only 20 bucks. Why not?

Anyone have any info on what I need to remove in order to get to it?

Any other ideas on what's wrong with my truck would be greatly appreciated.

 

IT WAS THE CRANK SENSOR!!! didn't have a cel and it still started ocasionally and I could always roll start it. replaced the crank sensor and it starts and runs perfect

couple tips

you have to remove the serp belt, fan and shroud, and tensioner pulley, unless you do what I did which is:

be carefull not to breeak the top of the old sensor off when removing it. my sensor was basically welded into the hole in the block. I had to drill it out piece by piece. so be carefull

I also snapped off the head of the single mounting bolt. after that I had to remove my accessory bracket, alternator, drain the coolant system and remove the radiator hoses. all so i could get in a drill in there and drill that bolt out. pain in the ***. so dont' do that either

but to summarize, 20 bucks for that stupid little sensor, pain in the butt to put it in but cured my problem. don't underestimate the importance of that little sensor.

thank god i finally figured this one out, too bad it wasn't before i replaced every other ignition part on my truck, oh well
holla