Hey guys, not sure if this is the correct place for My issue, but here's the beans:
1997 Ford Ranger 2.3l manual 4x2 (no a/c no power steering)

I was driving on the freeway when the engine began to sputter and struggled as I pumped the gas to get it to a (semi)safe location for a tow.

Symptom: Fuel Pump Relay is tripping (pump not turning off after 2 sec)
I know it isn't the relay itself because I swapped it with the same type in fuse box

So far I have replaced:
All 4 injectors, 8 spark plugs, in line fuel filter (and a fuel connector)

I have tested/verified:
All grounds from engine to fuel pump
timing belt is good (well I'll have to replace the belt soon, but that isn't the issue at least)
all fuses are good

Parts on order to swap:
Fuel pump assembly in the mail

Side note: for some reason OBD2 is not reading (showing an error) and the fuzes are good

The next thing I can think of is the computer (ecu?)

Any tips, tricks, or black magic to get My baby running again would be appreciated.

I can get it to turn over when I pump the gas, it will "idle" with My foot on the gas for a 3-5 seconds before it loses power and dies.

Thanks for taking the time.

 

Does read like a Computer issue

Pull out your computer, open it up and see if there is any visual damage on circuit board or corrosion on connector pins or circuit board

Go here: https://www.car-part.com/

1997
Ford Ranger
Computer Box Engine
usa
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__________________________________________________ _____________
On your computer's label will be a part number, like this F77F-12A650-XX or XXX
F7 = 1997
7 = Ranger
F= Ford electronics
12A650 = any Ford computer in any year and any vehicle <<<< this is not included in most replacement IDs because all it means is "Ford Computer", lol, not vehicle specific
XXX = what this computer is for, engine size, transmission type, emissions requirements

The XX or XXX is what you want to match

Scroll down the list to find a matching ID number, like:
Electronic Control Module, (RH rear firewall), 4-140 (2.3L), MT, California, ID F77F-MB
2.3l engine, MT = manual trans, with Calif emissions
__________________________________________________ ___________________

You have the number so you need to pick the correct computer

Then SEARCH

Used computers are a fairly safe bet, unless obviously damaged, they just didn't fail that often, could fail, just didn't all that often

 

Does a replacement computer need to be programmed to My vehicle? Thanks for the input, I’ll crack it open and see what I can find.

 

No, only 1999 and up Rangers had PATS(passive anti-theft system) that need the keys added to new computer