My engine cranks over but will not run?

2003 FORD RANGER
166,000 MILES • 4.0L • V6 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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FCANDELARIA
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Driving truck about 35 mph and suddenly it stops running. Will crank no start. After hours if I try starting, it will start but fails after less than a second and will continue to no start condition. I've check fuel pressure and after turning and turning off key to the on position, it will pressure to 60 psi, and will spit out gas after disconnect of gauge so I know it is getting fuel. I've sprayed starting fluid and there is no change when cranking. I've checked first plug when cranking and its getting a good spark. I've checked fuses in the engine compartment as well as in the dash and they are not burnt. I changed the crankcase position sensor only because I had one lying around. I was thinking of checking injectors but didn't want to take out intake manifold unless it is necessary. Any advise is much appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Note: It has no aftermarket security system and the factory system alarm seems to be working okay with no dash lights flashing. I also disconnected the truck battery to reset the computer.
May 23, 2019 at 12:17 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

If you have spark and fuel, the timing is correct, and you have compression, it should run. With starting fluid, does it even try to start? The interesting thing is if it doesn't, then either you have no spark or a very weak one or there is very low engine compression. Since this happened all at once, compression shouldn't be an issue. The truck has a timing chain and usually they don't jump. However, anything is possible.

Take a look through this link. It discusses crank/no start conditions. Also, link 2 discusses how to check for an injector pulse.

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-a-fuel-injector

Also, let me know if the spark to the plugs was a hot blue snapping spark or if it was orange or white in color.

Take care,
Joe
Aug 14, 2020 at 10:15 AM
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STORMBRINGER1
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Truck runs good for a few weeks then you shut it off and it cranks over and won't start leave it for one to two hours it starts.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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PATENTED_REPAIR_PRO
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Try a new fuel pump relay.
It is located in the battery junction box, under the hood.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Hello,

Can I ask if when the engine stalls can you hear the fuel pump running in the tank? This guide can help us get started:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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JPIPKIN2
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Im not sure if anyone has experienced these problems but for some reason or another my truck will not start when it is above 65 degrees outside. It wants to fire over but it just wont. I drove it all winter and had no problems at all. We had our first warm day about a week ago and it hasnt started since. Any advice?
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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FLEXY5
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Check two things for me and get back to me with the results. First try to start the engine with your foot on the throttle. We're looking to see if you have to hold the accelerator down in order to start it and keep it running. The second thing to check needs to be checked with a scanner. Check for codes, but also check the coolant temp sender and the intake air temp sender (ECT and AIT, respectively). I would like to know what the readings are for these two.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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Wont start in hot weather. Starts fine in the morning but by afternoon 95 + temp wont start. Cranks fine. I cant hear the fuel pump on a no start situation. Can a fuel pump perform in the lower temps and not perform in higher temps?? I did swap the relay with the AC relay still no start.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Yes temp can effect pump operation. Does MIL light come on? cam or crank sensor also effected by temp
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:28 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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Mil light CELight comes on as always during start sequence then goes away on a normal start (cooler temps). The truck does continue to run well in hot weather if it was started ealrier in the day(cooler)
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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It sounds like the engine coolant temperature senor could be shorting out which will cause the issue. Lets run the codes to see what comes up here is a guide

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

Please run down this guide and report back.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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Had codes ran a week ago indicating MAF sensor however I had attempted a start with the MAF unplugged while trouble shooting and that might have thrown the code.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Next time it won't start check for spark if good spray carb cleaner into intake crank does it fire
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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It sure will and then dies shortly after.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Then fuel pump is at fault
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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Thanks Doc. I'll change it Satu8rday and repost
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Great SAT project when tank is down test for power to pump is good then proceed with repair
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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we'll do I'll let you know.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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FCANDELARIA
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Possibly ran out of fuel. Idling in line at gas station, and engine stops, could not restart. Pushed truck to gas pump and filled up. Still no start. Replaced fuel pump, fuel filter one year ago. About 12,000 miles. Engine turns and seems as though it will start but fails in the first few turns. After that it will just turn with no change in ignition. After sitting hours, I will try again and it seems to want to ignite on the first few turns and fails again.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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TOLPAN58
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Doc, Everything is working fine new pump did the trick. Thanks
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Hello,

When the key is in the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the pump in the tank running? Here is a guide to help us get started:

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

Please run down this guide and report back.

Cheers, Ken
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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DOCFIXIT
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Great news Thanks for letting me know
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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FCANDELARIA
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Cannot hear fuel pump running with key in the on position,fuel door opened in quite setting.
Changed fuel filter.
Checked inertia switch -okay
Checked all fuses in dash and in engine compartment for continuity-okay
Swapped relays 46a and 46b.
Have not check fuel pressure yet.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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If you cannot hear the pump no need to check fuel pressure. It sounds like the pump may have gone out but to be sure lets check for power at the fuel pump relay. Here is a guide to help you confirm the issue and the engine wiring diagrams so you can see how the system works and the fuel pump relay location:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-an-electrical-relay-and-wiring-control-circuit

Try to jump power to the pump to see if it goes on.

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what you find. We are interested to see what it is.
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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FCANDELARIA
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Went and replaced fuel pump and everything appears to be working fine. I changed the fuel filter earlier. Thank you Ken, for your help. I had changed this pump a year and a half ago, I was leery that it was the problem giving the time and low mileage on the pump. (luckily it was still under warranty) I purchased an upgrade this time.... ;~)
Thanks again Ken
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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STRAILER
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Good to hear, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.

Cheers, Ken
Mar 2, 2021 at 11:29 AM (Merged)
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