Engine stopped dead while driving.

RSTEWS2

MEMBER
1999 FORD RANGER
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
195,000 MILES

Engine stopped running suddenly while driving. I have electrical power to lights, radio etc. Engine did not sputter or run rough prior to shutting down so I suspect it may be an electrical issue. I'm looking for recommendations on what to change out starting with the most common culprit. I'm not in a position to test things or do much troubleshooting under the hood. Thanks

6 Replies

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi rstews2,

It sounds like the fuel pump or crankshaft angle sensor has gone out but to be sure here are two guides to help you see whats going on.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please run down these guides and report back.

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 9:55 AM

RSTEWS2

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I viewed that page prior to posting my question. I don't have any of the required test equipment and quite frankly don't really have any idea what a lot of that is about. My truck is on the side of the road a few blocks from my house and would appreciate any suggestion on what I could easily do to at least narrow it down to a list of parts I could go get. My inclination is that it is electrical. If it was fuel related I would think it would have ran rough prior to quitting but I don't really know today's engines. When it quit it was as if I had just turned the key off. Thanks

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 10:31 AM

KHLOW2008

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41,815 POSTS

You have to perform test to narrow down the problem. Check if sparks are available at the plugs for a start.

If you are not able to perform any test, we would not be able to assist you.

Are the dashlights showing when ignition switch is turned to on and while cranking?

Are you able to crank the engine?

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 10:53 AM

RSTEWS2

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Engine cranks OK and I have dash lights, headlights, radio etc. I can check for fire at the plugs. If I have fire can I assume it's fuel related and if I don't can I assume it's electrical? If it is fuel related could it have just quit without any indication? I read something about a fuel shut-off switch- Does this actually shut the fuel off or does it disable the engine's ability to provide fuel to the cylinders?
Sorry about the lack of information. Years ago when engines starting being controlled by electronics I quit trying to figure them out. Just trying to gather as much info as I can before I hike to the truck.
Thanks

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Monday, August 24th, 2009 AT 11:52 AM

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

If sparks are available, it would most likely be mechanical or fuel that is causing the non starting.

If it is fuel related could it have just quit without any indication?

A failed fuel pump or its controlling circuit would cause the engine to quit without any indication.

Inertia fuel shut off switch would stop the fuel pump from operating. It is designed to be activated in the event of a collision and to reset it, you have to manually depress the button on the switch.