Cranks but will not start?

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Good evening,

When it will not start, did you check fuel pressure?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Did you check for spark?

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

Roy

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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TONYB65
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
No, not yet. I will have to purchase a pressure tester and go from there. I am getting spark and checked injectors for pulse with a noid light good there.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Okay, sounds like the fuel pressure is next.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
Yep, sounds like you need to test the pressure.

Roy
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MOJO_7733
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 FORD RANGER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 120,000 MILES
My 96 ford ranger has stopped starting. I replaced the #23 fuse while the truck was running and upon doing so the truck quit running. I have checked all the other fuses. Did notice that I am no longer getting fire from my plugs. The timing belt looks fine and have also replaced the coils. Will turn over but wont start. Really appreciate any help. Cant really afford to take it in.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,244 POSTS
Hi mojo_7733, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

What did the #23 fuse cover? Also, have you checked the crank sensor? Are you getting power to the coil? Also, pop the distributor cap off and make sure the rotor is turning when the engine is cranking.

Let me know what you find.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:29 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOC714
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD RANGER
Electrical problem 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 300000 miles

I started my truck, drove it about 200 yards and it quit, like someone turned off the ignition switch.
No indication of trouble beforehand. It cranks, but will not fire up. The fuel pump runs for a few seconds when the key is turned and there is pressure at the fuel injector rail valve.
I even dropped the fuel tank and removed the fuel pump/sender. The fuel pump ran fine with 12 volts applied to it.
I put an inductive timing light on some of the plug wires and get an intermittent spark on most plug wires. It sometimes gives a single, muffled backfire when cranking, but won't fire.
About a year ago, it ran very poorly after warming up so I put in in the shop. The Ford dealership replaced an ignition block and it has run flawlessly up until now.

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!
Since one coil pack is only 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?
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If the ignition coils are okay and the ICM your last stop is at the CPS

Here is a guide that will help you

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

Please run some tests and get back to us so we can continue helping you.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOC714
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thanks for responding!
I just replaced the crankshaft position sensor, no progress there(very difficult and troublesome to get to and replace.
I even rented a diagnostic code reader, brand-new. I hooked it up and it said - "PASS, No codes present".
Since I know the coil blocks are good, could it be the cam position sensor (CPS)? There aren't any other components left in the electronic ignition system to check, are there?
BTW, what is the ICM?

I have a new cam position sensor, but can't find it on the engine to replace it (96, 2.3L).
Also, where is the ICM located? I can have it checked.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
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The camshaft sensor is located on left front of engine behind oil pump pulley.

Your ICM looks like this below and I dunno where its located been looking into Mit1 and Alldata auto references no exact location-sorry


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/12900_icm_8.jpg

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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOC714
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Thank you for the pics, now I know what it looks like. I have searched my truck for 2 days and cannot find this ICM module. Is there anyone out there who knows where this module is located? I called the local Ford dealer today and all they told me was that it was in the inner right fender. IT'S NOT THERE!
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
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I've checked with Alldata and it says its integrated with the powertrain control module-Computer
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DOC714
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
THANKS!
Well you know my next question is - Where is that? Is it under the dash?
I'll bet that's expensive!
I'm not about to tear down half the engine to replace the cam position sensor and everything else is good. I just checked the coil blocks with an ohm meter, primary and secondary seem fine.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,940 POSTS
Hello,

The PCM is located in the firewall on the passengers side. Here is a diagram that shows its location.

Please check the timing belt as well.

Please let us know what happens.

Cheers, Ken
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DUMPBOY
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1996 FORD RANGER
  • 3.0L
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 152,000 MILES
One time it will fire up like normal but if you shut it off it won’t crank back up until it sits a while. Also, when it’s running it occasionally has a small but quick dip in rpm's.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,244 POSTS
Hi and thanks for using 2CarPros.

The first thing that comes to mind is a bad electronic engine control relay (EEC). This relay will prevent the fuel pump from coming on as well as shutting off the ignition.

It's been awhile, but I recall several reports of this in the past where the car ran fine, someone would park, come back a few minutes later and it wouldn't start.

With that in mind, here is what I want you to do. The PCM power relay functions the same as the EEC relay on your truck. What I want you to do is this. When the engine refuses to start, switch that relay with a different one in the fuel/relay box that has the same part number and then see if it will start.

I attached a picture of the relay box under the hood as well as a legend of what each component is for.

Do this and let me know if it works. If it does, just replace the relay.

Take care,
Joe
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DUMPBOY
  • MEMBER
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I tried switching the relays and it didn’t work. I was told by someone else that the camshaft synchronizer could also cause that but I don’t know. Any help would be great.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,244 POSTS
If the EEC isn't the issue, the next suspect is the crankshaft position sensor. Take a look through this link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/symptoms-of-a-bad-crankshaft-sensor

The Crankshaft Position Sensor is located at the lower front of the engine. (See Picture 1)

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor

See Picture 2

REMOVAL
1. Disconnect battery ground cable.

NOTE: When battery voltage is removed from the Powertrain Control Module (PCM), all learned values will be cleared and reset to predetermined values. When battery voltage is restored to the PCM, the vehicle may exhibit certain driveability concerns. It will be necessary to drive the vehicle to allow the PCM to relearn values for optimum driveability and performance.

2. Disconnect Crankshaft Position (CKP) sensor electrical connector.
3. Remove two CKP sensor screws and remove sensor.

INSTALLATION
1. Position CKP sensor on engine .
2. Install two CKP sensor screws and tighten to 4-7 Nm (35-62 Lb in).
3. Route CKP sensor wiring harness and connect electrical connector.
4. Connect battery ground cable.

________________________________

When the problem happens, you have two easy choices to check. First, if you have a live data scanner, see if there is an RPM signal. If there isn't, my first suspect is this sensor. Or, check to see if the engine is getting spark.

Here are a couple links you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/crankshaft-angle-sensor-replacement

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

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Joe
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:30 PM (Merged)

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