My 2002 Ranger won't start. I'm pretty sure it's a fuel problem because I'm not getting any pressure in the fuel line and the battery has plenty of juice to crank the engine over. Tonight I'm going to be diagnosing and hopefully fixing it. I just wanted to check some things first. I know there are already threads about this, but I wanted to ask some questions without resurrecting ancient threads.


-Filter: I don't think it's the fuel filter because it didn't die slowly, rather all at once "out of the blue"; but I'll replace it because it probably needs it anyways, it's cheap, and easy.

-Inertia Switch: I know where the inertia switch is located (passenger kick panel) but it isn't there- only some wires. Is it possible that the previous owner bypassed it a long time ago and removed it? Is it possible that it's buried in there somewhere? Is it possible that it's in a different location on 2002 Ranger? (which I doubt).

-Electrical: I know that it could be the fuse, which I'll check first. I've read that it could be the relay. Where is it located? Are there multiple relays for different components? What's the best way to know if there's a problem with the relay? I have access to a multimeter. I'll take a guess and say that if I can detect a solid voltage at the pump then we can immediately rule out electrical issues and point our fingers at the fuel pump itself.

-Mechanical: If we're betting, I'm putting my money on the fuel pump. If I'm right, I'm planning on removing the bed. It seems most people do it that way and prevents headaches. I don't think I'll have any trouble swapping it; I just don't want to get done and find out that the problem was elsewhere.


Is there anything I'm missing? Any comments to add? Was I wrong about anything? Don't hesitate to use a lot of detail: I like to learn.

 

Electric pump - Read the voltage while cranking.
if its good, disconnect fuel out - run into a container - crank engine.

Mech pump - disconnect fuel out - run into a container - crank engine.

 

Ill go pull my panel and look mines an 03 and I'm pretty sure its further back up towards the firewall because when i wired my alarm i tapped the lock wires in the passenger kick panel and I'm almost positive it wasn't there but i may be mistaken. Also i don't think it can be removed unless I'm mistaken you can't just ground it out its a specialty switch. Ill see if i can get a pic for you. Could be PATS though to it will cut the fuel pump when the wrong key is used if its malfunctioning that could also be an issue.

 

Try one of these...

https://www.google.com/search?q=2002...w=1600&bih=723

 

in my 2001 the hoses in the fuel pump assembly were routed around sharp edges and cut the hose. Can you hear the pump going while the ignition is on? Did your truck get harder and harder to cold start or did it quit right away?

 

I'm not sure you understood my question.

I did end up finding the inertia switch. It was just higher up under the carpet (so high that you couldn't kick it). You were right... by the firewall. It was in good condition; the button was pressed down firmly and there was no sign of damage.

Thanks. I was able to rule out electrical problems last night. The pump was getting plenty of voltage. The whole story is below.

I inspected the hoses near the assembly; they were in great condition. The whole story is below. The truck always started fine (real strong start without problems) and died suddenly; like I mentioned above.

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The reason for my post was to see if there was anything else I should be checking before disassembling the whole truck.

So here's the story:
I got together with a couple friends last night. First I checked the pressure in the line while cranking. I got nothing. Then I checked the inertia switch. It was perfect. All the fuses were fine. So I propped the bed up such that I could reach the fuel pump and test the voltage while cranking. The fuel pump definitely was getting power, so my suspicions were confirmed and I knew the pump needed replacing. I swapped out the pump, put a new fuel filter in the line for good measure and fired it up. Worked like a charm. I'm glad to have a working truck again.