my son has a 87 ford ranger 2.3 it will run as long as you hold the key in the start position but as soon as you let it go it dies we have tried everything i know of but im not that good with fords any answers to this problem would be gteatly appreciated

do you have fuel ? spark?

__________________
98 4.0 2wd-----supercharger fully build heads cam...all show with go......3 time world of wheels champ 5 time national winner


lots of ranger parts for sale leftovers from my 94/96
96 sitting on the frame, waiting to go lower


custom billet parts by me intake adapters and billet steps for the step sides

please sign my guestbook!!
http://breyperformancemachine.shutterfly.com/

yes till we let off the ignition then it wont continue to run still have fuel at this point but it acts like you just shut off the key again not real schooled in fords trying to get this up and running for him with no luck i know the green wire out of the coil stays hot as soon as you key it up not sure if it is suppose to or not with tester on it no juice at all pull away the tester and it is hot again solid thanks for your reply

Ignition switch...............you can test it by runnin a jumper wire from the hot side of the solenoid to the coil, if it runs fine, then you will have to pull that wire off to kill it, but you will know the problem, if not, then not sure..............

__________________
ALL THROTTLE, NO BOTTLE!!!

Favorite quote:
Elvira on Stroker Ace: "I like mechanics, they know how to tinker with things for hours, and makem go fast!"

TOY: Green 94 Pro Street

already tried that but thank you for your reply

================================================== =
So you've put constant power to the coil & it still dies?

__________________
ALL THROTTLE, NO BOTTLE!!!

Favorite quote:
Elvira on Stroker Ace: "I like mechanics, they know how to tinker with things for hours, and makem go fast!"

TOY: Green 94 Pro Street

try the "idle air control valve". My wifes went out a few years ago and I could start her explorer and keep it running with my foot on the gas but as soon as I took it off the engine died, just like you are describing.

__________________
02 EDGE; 3 liter V-6; Homemade Bucket Seats; Explorer Center Console; 120,000 + miles

"I once was obsessed with a clean windshield, now I just pray for rain."

Agreed. Had the same problem you are describing with my '97 4-cyl Ranger. Replaced the Idle Air Control valve and started right up with no subsequent problems.

hopefully it the idle air control valve, if not you may have trouble finding the problem......
god, i love diagnostic checks...