I just bought a 1987 Ranger. It will not start. When I turn the key I do not hear the fuel pumps turn on. I don't know if there is a fuse or relay that I can change. I looked in the fuse panel under the dash and did not see anything relevant to the fuel system. It does have two fuel pumps and I do not hear either running. I don't know if it is related but the fuel gauge is not working either. Any advice would be much appreciated

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1987 Ford Ranger Ext. Cab 2.9 V-6 Manual.

The later Gen-IIs had a power distribution box under the hood, 86-88 used fuse links inline with the wires. The best way to go about identifying where the fuse links are located is by referencing an electrical vacuum trouble shooting manual sold by helm inc (about $30, but totally worth it). Most are off the starter solenoid batt post. Need to check for fused power sources at the relays, and that would verify.

The fuel pump circuit is somewhat involved, the EVTM I described has the diagram for it. There are a lot of things that need to happen before the relay can turn on. ECC relay needs to be good, computer needs to power on for the fuel pump relay to function.

Could be a fuse link, bad ground at the tank, computer relay, computer, fuel pump relay, tripped inertia switch (in cab under carpet), etc..... Bad ground would go with the gauge, but try to do some isolation first as they may not be related issues.

Also make sure the small single ground wire from the battery is connected (computer relay depends on it).

Good starting point generally would probably be to test for voltage at the inertia switch. That way you can isolate where there problem is - tank or under the hood. You will want to either use a test light or analog meter. The computer primes the pump twice for about 1-2 sec each when the key is put on run, so you may miss these pulses using a digital.

You can further test the circuit at the diagnostic connector. There is a pin you can ground that will supplement the computers control over the fuel circuit, so that you can run the circuit all of the time for diagnostics.

i know on my 90 2.9 that the fuse for the fuel pump is in the fuse box next too the ac accumulator or left side of the inner fender and asfar as the fuel guage not working the stock floats like too leak and fill up with gasoline

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1990 Ranger Extended Cab
2.9L V6 5 Speed Transmission
Planning to put a 347 and a T-5 in it eventually

Our 86-88 Gen-Is do not have a power distribution box. All of the fuses are inline fuse links unfortunately.

I tested for power to the inertia switch there was no power to either side. I am going to try checking the other things that you mentioned tomorrow in the daylight. Thanks for your help on this. I did jump a hot wire to the yellow wire coming from fuel tank and the fuel gauge started working.

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1987 Ford Ranger Ext. Cab 2.9 V-6 Manual.

same happened to me and i replaced fuel pump relay its underhood next to air intake that fixed the problem theres 3 relays there they cost about 10 bucks each you can try one by one and return the ones you dont need

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88 ranger 2.9 cold air intake custom exhaust mustang wheels shaved mirrors rollpan clear tail ligts custom paint

I pulled both fuel pumps and put direct power to both, neither worked. The float for the sending unit had a hole in it so I my parts come in tomorrow I am ready to have this truck back together.
Thanks for the help on this.

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1987 Ford Ranger Ext. Cab 2.9 V-6 Manual.

Fixed Fuel Gauge on 87 Ranger

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1987 Ranger 2.9L Auto.

Ha-ha-ha-ha

I just tried to order that trouble shooting guide that Pete recommended.
$15 for the book, $30 for the "handling", and $84 for the shipping (to UK).

I guess I'll just stay on here and keep asking you guys questions. :-)

Laurie

My 87 ranger has had an intermittent problem for about 3 mos. it will run fine, then all the sudden it wont start and acts like its not getting fuel. Usually, if it sits overnight, it will start the next morning. After failing to start the other night I went back the next morning and it would not start no matter what and acted as if it wasnt getting fuel, among other things I tried I pushed the inertia switch reset button, although it has never popped and I have owned thisk truck since 89. It still wouldnt start, I dont know why I tried this and know it doesnt make much sense but, I held the inertia switch down while turning the igniton and the truck fired right up, I turned loose of the inertia switch button and the truck died, I held the button in again and the truck started, this time when I released the inertia button the truck stayed running but did idle rough. I drove about a mile home and thats as far as I have gottten. Has anyone else had or heard of this problem? As I said earlier the reset button still has never popped up. I talked to a local shop and they want to replace both fuel pumpps at a cost of 550 before even seeing the truck, any advice would be greatly appriciated

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1987 Ford Ranger XLT 2.9L V6 auto, long bed 2WD

Yes, interita switches can go bad. Can get one from a junk yard to splice in. All it does is turn off the fuel pump if you're in an accident, so it's just a switch that could be bypassed, but not recommended. I would temporarily bypass and do a test drive to make sure that is what is causing it - just so you know for sure you're replacing the right thing.

i got 1 volt to imherta switch but where is there fuse link for it coming in relay 1 volt

also check your fuel pump shut off switch make sure its not on its behind the panel on the passenger side below the glove box little red button just an idea.

I'd have to take a guess that the fuse link is off of the starter solenoid, but I don't have my EVTM in front of me to know for sure. Those wiring diagrams are a huge help in diagnostics. That manual is the very first thing I bought for my '87 2.0L Ranger.