My truck fired up the other day, running fine, and I drove it about 200 yards. It quit with absolutely no warning, like someone turned off the key. It would not re-fire.
I had it towed home so I could work on it, ($129,).
Next day, after calling work to tell them I was stuck at home, I went to work on it.
I first thought it was the fuel pump, so I dropped the driveshaft and fuel tank. Pulled the fuel pump and connected it to voltage, it ran fine, so I put it back in the tank, but did not reinstall the tank, yet.
I heard about tool rentals from auto parts stores, and, since I didn't want to throw parts at it, or buy a fuel pump tester I'd use probably once...
I went to the local AutoZone and rented a fuel pressure test kit, $149.95 deposit, plus tax, BUT, I get it back when I return it. NO RENTAL FEE!
Anyway, i connected it to the schrader valve on the injector rail. It went up to 40 lbs pressure when I cranked the key. It's getting, and holding fuel pressure, but still won't fire up!
Turned out I saved $110. on a replacement fuel pump, so far.
NEXT:
Since one coil pack is about a year old, I think it highly unlikely that both coil packs are bad, causing no spark.
Could the crankshaft position sensor be the culprit, since it was running perfectly, then just quit?
Only thing is, on my 96 Ranger, 2.3 four cylinder, I have to remove the air cleaner assy., the alternator belt, alternator, THEN drain my coolant and remove water hoses JUST TO GET TO THE THING!!!
Is there anything I can do before I go through all of that?
I'd sure hate to go through that process, remove and replace it, and it isn't the problem.
I guess what I'm trying to ask is what are the chances of this being the problem part?

check your cank sensor, behind the crank pulley, that goes bad, it will give you a no start.

it turns over, it just does not start right? Timing belt?. Did you check for spark? check fuses and relays for pcm, etc

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

I clamped an inductive timing light onto some of the plug wires and cranked it. I got a very intermittent flash from the light. Also, when I crank it, it gives me one muffled backfire when I'm trying that, but no start up.
I just pulled the crankshaft position sensor. Is there a way to test it? Can the auto parts store check it for me?
Man is that badboy HARD to get to and equally hard to remove!

Well, the new crankshaft position sensor didn't help. I even rented a code reader, guess what it said - "PASS, No codes detected"!!!
WTF?
Re-checked all the fuses, all have continuity, and swapped all the relays around.
And, it still won't fire up.
Could it be the cam position sensor?

You should check for spark, check the coils , check your ignition module. the igniton module They are a common problem on these trucks. You can bring it to a auto parts store and they will check it. Make sure that whne you put it back you put every screw back in . one screw is tough to get at but it is a ground and truck will not start without it. what coilpack is new the one closer to the front or back

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

Thanks for responding!
The front coil pack is the newer one.
I checked for spark with a spare plug, results were sketchy. I clamped an inductive timing light over several different plug wires and got an intermittent flash from the gun.
Where, exactly, is the ICM mounted on a 2.3L? I'll take it in for testing.
Where is the cam position sensor mounted?

On my 2.3 I found that the timing belt tensioner spring had broke which allowed the belt to slip enough to not run at all.....might be worth a look.

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1996 ford ranger 2.3l reg cab 2wd auto.

Thanks, but that isn't it. I had to remove the belt to replace the crankshaft position sensor. To do that, I had to relieve tension on the belt, and believe me, there was ample spring tension. So much so I tied-off the 3/8" socket wrench I used to wrench it out of the way while I swapped-out the CPS.

I need to find my ICM (ignition control module), can anyone tell me where it's located on a 96 ranger 2.3L?
Please, HELP, I can't find it! I have searched for 2 days and don't see the thing ANYWHERE!!!

I don't have one on my 99 go to rock auto and see what it lools like. Try to follow the wires at the coilpacks back to the ICM. If no luck start a new thread

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

I'm no expert but through an internet search it seems to me that the ICM on your model/year may be intergrated into the PCM (powertrain control module). Not sure if that helps you at all.

On the 94 2.3L the ICM is mounted to the front side of the intake manifold behind the AC compressor and power steering pump.

Good luck.

The 1996 has a separate ICM. I think it is the same spot as described above for the 94

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2004 Ext Cab, 4WD, 4.0, Auto, 154k. (4.0 engine is out of a 2009 Ranger w/96k) ( as of 7/1/2017)

2004 Ranger, Ext Cab, 2WD, 3.0, 5 speed , 4WABS, crank windows, no cruise, Edge 116k.(6/5,2014) (SOLD).
1999 Ford Ranger, Reg Cab, 2.5, 5 speed, 2WD, no AC, 150k (SOLD).

if it is what I think it is, its about 6 inche long, 3 wide, 1/2 thick if factory and some aftermarkets, grey in color and mounted to the intake, closer to the front

well I think you may have had a 3/8 socket on the serpintine belt..the one that drives the alt..power steering..etc. the one im talking about is BEHIND the plastic cover that houses the timing belt. It is the idler / tensioner pully. it is held in place via a 13mm bolt. and then a larger one with a spring on it...i might have a picture if it would help.

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1996 ford ranger 2.3l reg cab 2wd auto.