Hello,
This is my first post here. I have a 2000 Ranger (3.0 V6 w/ extended cab) with some electrical problems (car has died twice recently -- once while driving). The problem has been intermittent and two mechanics have been unable to find anything wrong. So we replaced both the alternator and the battery in hope that we'll solve the problem.

But my question is about the power brakes. The brakes become very ineffective when the power dies. I understand (more or less) the reason why, but I thought that power brakes should have a little bit of reserve after the engine dies. My dad suggested that I replace the check valve, which I'm going to do. But is there anything else I should check or change? Is the check valve the most likely culprit?

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks.

They are working normal. With the engine off, you will get one maybe 2 pumps on the pedal before it gets too hard to push normally. Thats just how the power work. I know it sucks, but that what the emergency/park brake is for.

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2003 Ranger FX4 level II. 3" BL, 33x12.50 GT Radial Mud Claws, Custom front and rear bumpers with winch hookups, custom flatbed, with hi-lift, and full size spare mount, 12,000 lb winch mounted under bed, Electric fan, and of course a flowmaster.

My 2005 had a problem of dying when i first bought it, after losing alot of hair, from scratching my head staring at the truck my stepdad and myself found it was the fuel pump emergency switch. This is a little device under the glovebox that kills the fuel pump if you wreck the vehicle mine just went bad. This may be something you wanna look into

My truck has had the exact same problems. I've had it die after parking it downhill while driving before, and I can easily come to a smooth stop with my power brakes, but after that, I can barley stop from a few miles and hour standing on the pedal...

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2002 Red Mazda B2300
Short Cab, Short Bed, Pioneer sound system:
DEH-P5100UB deck, dual USB/aux inputs, single CD, organic display, remote
4 TS-A6872R 40 watt nominal speakers
2 TS-SW2501S4 250 watt nominal 10" subwoofers