General Technical & Electrical General technical and electrical discussion for the Ford Ranger that does not fit in any other sub-forum.

Cranks but won’t start

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Old Dec 17, 2018
  #1  
Tropicalcats's Avatar
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From: Wilwood
Cranks but won’t start

I have come across a 2011 Ford Ranger Sport. The Ranger has sat for 8 months and of course the battery was dead. Also the gas tank was bone dry. Apparently a neighbor would start the Ranger to keep the battery charge but when it ran out of gas they stopped.
I got a new battery and the truck cranks but will not turn over.
i was told by the owner that it was having some hard starting issues before it sat for the 8 months.
any ideas on what it could be ?
 
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Old Dec 17, 2018
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Welcome to the forum

I assume you put gas in it, have to ask, lol

On Rangers the fuel pump will run for 2 seconds each time the key is turned on, only for 2 seconds though
So turn key on and off as much as needed to confirm you hear the fuel pump in the gas tank running
It is not quiet, you can hear the HUMMM in the cab if its working

1999 and up Rangers have PATS(passive anti-theft system)
When you turn on the key, the key is tested to see if its ID number is correct, if its not or can't be read then the THEFT LIGHT on the dash will flash rapidly
Rapid flashing means Fuel Pump and Fuel Injectors are disabled, and usually it won't crank either

Since it cranks I wouldn't think its a PATS issue but have to mention it


50/50 test
Spray some gasoline or Quick start(ether) into the engine and see if it start and then dies
If so then you have spark but no fuel delivery(pump or injectors)
If it doesn't start then there is no spark
50/50 quick and easy


Letting fuel system run dry and then sit can cause clogged fuel filter and clogged injectors, the gasoline evaporates and leaves behind a varnish that clogs up things
 
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Old Dec 17, 2018
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From: Wilwood
I did put gas in the tank LOL
I think I hear the fuel pump but hard to tell with all the bells going off when you try to start.
i got a new fuel filter and will try that.
When you say put some gas in the engine you mean by way of the throttle body?
If it starts with gas or starter fluid can I believe it’s probably the injectors ?
how can I test the fuel pump ?
 
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Old Dec 17, 2018
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From: Wilwood
Can I just unhook the hose from the pump to the fuel filter, crank it and see if I get gas ?
 
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Old Dec 17, 2018
  #5  
2011Supercab's Avatar
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From: Everett, WA
Originally Posted by Tropicalcats
If it starts with gas or starter fluid can I believe it’s probably the injectors ?
how can I test the fuel pump ?
Originally Posted by Tropicalcats
Can I just unhook the hose from the pump to the fuel filter, crank it and see if I get gas ?
You don't even know if it's a fuel problem yet, try Ron's 50/50 test first.
 
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Old Dec 29, 2018
  #6  
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From: Wilwood
Finally had the chance to look at the Ranger.
This is what I did.
1) changed the fuel filter.
2) could feel a click on the relay when somebody else turned the key.
3) sprayed starter fluid into the engine and she started right up and died.
4) checked at the shrader valve both before and after starting with starter fluid and had no pressure built up. I did not have a fuel pressure tester but just pushed in the shearer and no pressure was released.
So not what? Injectors or pump ? Maybe I’m just missing it but I don’t hear the pump cycle when I turn the key.
I’m thinking pump ?
what say you ?
 
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Old Dec 30, 2018
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From: Vancouver, BC
Most likely the fuel pump is bad

Inertia switch is the cab in passenger side foot well up above the carpet in the corner usually, small black box with red button on the top, 2 wire terminals

It is VERY unlikely this would be the problem since it "trips" open in an accident to cut power to the fuel pump, and this truck has been sitting not driven
But worth a look
If you have a volt meter you can ground it in the cab and hook it up to either connection then cycle the key on
You should see 12volts for 2 seconds then 5-8 volts after that with key on
The 5-8 volts is Monitor voltage, no amps, so can power the pump, the 12volts for 2 seconds should turn on the pump
 
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