Truck doesn't start, but cranks.. help.

NewShockerGuy · #1 01-03-2018, 08:46 PM

I don't know what is going on honestly so I'll just list what I did.

I replaced the radiator over the weekend along with some other things. Had it in the garage. Ran into no problems.

Pulled the truck out of the garage yesterday and parked it in the driveway. It started fine.

Tonight I go to start the truck and it cranks but doesn't turn over. It doesn't click like a dead battery would. Just cranks, over and over. I shut it off, and turned the key to prime the fuel pump. Still just cranked. Did this for about 5 minutes. It was dark/cold and I needed to go to work so I can't really look at it until the morning.

I replaced the fuel pump relay a month ago because I was experiencing a weird problem in that when I would go to the gym, and be there for an hour/two, when I came back out to my truck and started it up, it would hesitate and sort of idle weird/start up slower.

I replaced the IAC for a new one back in the summer. Truck has new spark plugs, coil pack, and wires. All OEM.

This has only happened one other time about 2-3 months ago when I was at work in the parking garage when I went to start the truck it would just crank. Not turn over. I waited about 5 minutes and then the truck started. The truck drives fine other wise. No loss of power or stumbling at all when driving.

But tonight it did not turn over. I was trying to listen IF I could hear the fuel pump making that priming noise and I gotta be honest I wasn't 100% sure I heard that whine noise that it always makes...

I would imagine the fuel pump is probably 17 years old/original to the truck.

I could check injectors as well but never have. Also assume those are original to the truck.

What should I be doing/ checking. I did take the relay out and put it back in but that didn't solve anything. It's been super cold the last couple days at like 10' F. But again it started right up yesterday afternoon. Tonight nothing.

*Edit: No check engine lights or anything blinking. Nothing pending either.

Thanks,
-Nigel

tomw0 · #2 01-04-2018, 07:14 AM

I'd make every effort to hear the pump run. If you jumper across the 'power' terminals of the fuel pump relay, the pump should run non-stop. You could then go listen at the filler neck for pump noise. You could also get a key operator to cycle the ignition key from OFF to ON, pause, etc, while you listen. Or you cycle the key while they listen if their hearing is better or what-ever...
Another check would be to access the shrader port on the fuel rail, and depress the center post of the valve. It should have pressure after a key ON cycle or a few cycles to build pressure if you have a leaky check valve. If not, squirt some fuel, or brake cleaner, or carb cleaner or ??? into a vacuum line leading to the intake. Attempt to start. If it starts with fuel directly added to the intake, you are likely lacking fuel to run the engine, pointing to pump/relay/etc. If it does not start, remove a plug wire, and stuff a spare plug into the connector, lay the plug on a conductive surface, and crank the engine a bit. You should see sparks across the side and center electrodes. If not, you're lacking sparky and it needs fixing.
tom

NewShockerGuy · #3 01-04-2018, 09:19 PM

Tried starting it today. Cranks very strong. No issues there at all. But does not start. I am nearly 110% sure now I do not hear the pump priming at all. In the morning I am going to have my wife turn the key to the on position and I will be under the gas tank listening.

What is the average life of a fuel pump? I know the spark plugs and coil pack are good. I tested that plus they are new, good spark.

I've got a oem motorcraft pump on order so hopefully have it Monday. Not looking forward to changing it outside though so we'll see.. I'll keep it updated.

-Nigel

Markous · #4 01-04-2018, 09:44 PM

Fuel cutoff switch tripped possibly?

kz213 · #5 01-05-2018, 12:57 AM

there safely switch in right side kick paner it could cause fuel pump to stop working it have red button and 3 wires attach to it check that before replace fuel pump

tomw0 · #6 01-05-2018, 06:40 AM

If you do replace the pump, I understand it is easier to un-bolt the bed and slide it back or prop it up on some 2X4 lumber. Dropping and raising the tank are more difficult as you have to hold it up in place while trying to start the strap fasteners. FWIW.
tom

rangergambler · #7 01-05-2018, 01:54 PM

Replace the fuel pump relay.

NewShockerGuy · #8 01-05-2018, 09:17 PM

Fuel pump relay was replaced last month with a new one. Still experienced some of the hesitation if I shut the truck off then turned it back on shortly after. If the truck sat for longer no problem.

I checked the safety switch and that wasn't popped at all. Tried depressing the button and it was already depressed. Fuel pump came in today so hopefully Monday I can replace it since it will be in the 40's compared to 10' F now...lol

I started spraying the bed bolts under the truck with kroil. I can't seem to find the front most bolts near the cab on the bed. I can see the 4 rear ones underneath the truck so those were sprayed and will continue to do so for the next couple days.

Is there a way to test the actual tip over switch, do those normally go bad? The truck has never been flipped and in all of the years of owning it the switch has never tripped. But I wouldn't mind replacing it IF that's something that should be replaced after so many years.

Thanks,
-Nigel

tomw0 · #9 01-06-2018, 05:24 AM

I would suggest at least checking the fuel pressure before going through all that effort.

There is a shrader fitting on the fuel rail where you can access and attach a fuel pressure gauge. The pump should run when the key is first turned to ON. The gauge should indicate that the pressure is there.
If you had a leaky injector, for example, it could be dribbling fuel into the intake and making 'warm starts' difficult. You might try holding the gas pedal wide open when it is difficult to start after a short off period. That disables the injectors to clear a 'flooded' condition per readings.
tom

jonlan83 · #10 01-07-2018, 11:48 AM

I'm having kinda the same issues with my ranger only problem is Ive replaced the fuel pump and it ran great for two weeks now its not starting just cranking like crazy what years your ranger im stumped Ive replaced the fuse, relay, fuel pump and the pump does come on but only for two seconds then shuts down so it's doing what its supposed to do but something is stopping the signal thats telling it to stay on when I crank the motor if anyone knows whats this could be please help me also this sounds like it could be your problem im starting to feel its the ECU I have a 89 ranger 2.9 liter thank

Cmoody1462 · #11 01-13-2018, 08:52 AM

Has anyone mentioned maybe it could be the crank position sensor? Have you checked for spark?

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CharlieM · #12 01-14-2018, 07:50 AM

Im sorry I would check the fuel pressure on the rail before any parts installed

NewShockerGuy · #13 01-14-2018, 05:46 PM

Got all the bed bolts off yesterday. Been a little too cold to work on anything so I'm waiting till it gets warmer the next weekend. I tested the relays and used a test light at the relay socket for the fuel pump. Tests fine and lights up. Still don't hear the fuel pump at all turning on.

Checked fuel pressure at the rail both sitting and while cranking. Reads zero.

Will update if I get a warmer day this week once I change out the fuel pump.

-Nigel

ec158 · #14 01-17-2018, 03:59 PM

I'm having the same issue. Works when it wants to. Sometimes it primes and works fine and other times it doesn't. when it doesn't I crawl under the truck and bang on the tank mounting straps with a rubber mallet I then hear the pump prime when key is turned then it starts right up. Waiting for weather to warm up then going to replace pump.

Try the mallet and let us know if it starts.

NewShockerGuy · #15 01-18-2018, 08:39 PM

Welp. Getting REALLY close...lol

Attempted to pull the bed off with the help of my wife. She's about 110lbs with wet cloths... needless to say she was not able to lift her side..lol I'm going to ask my neighbor for help.

I did however lift it up and back so I can get to the fuel pump. While I am there I'm changing the fuel filter as well and hopefully he can coat the frame. This will all be easier once the bed is off and on the side of the house..lol

I did notice in the rear however there is some rot/rust near the /on the spare tire well.. See attached pictures.

How concerned do I need to be about this? The rest of the frame seems fine. The front of the bed also has rust. Huge concern?

The truck is 17 years old so I'm almost positive it will rust out before anything but, while shit is off this weekend I might as well prep and paint it with Chasis Saver.

See attached pictures.

Getting closer! Hope to have the new pump installed in the morning. Already removed all connections being very careful of the clips and elbows.

-Nigel