My engine turns over but will not start won't start with starting fluid either

Tiny
JEFFREY DAVID EVERLING
  • MEMBER
  • 1990 FORD RANGER
  • 4.0L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
Shut off out of the blue while driving down the street, hasn't started since. Won't start with starting fluid either. Changed fuel filter, fuses, fuel pump. Fuel sprays from valve on the fuel rail. Relay clicks when key is turned. Getting spark on the coil but it's faint and slow and doesn't spark every time. Planning on changing coil pack tomorrow but want to be sure. Any suggestions or ideas, information is much appreciated. Turn and turns but won't fire up.
Monday, December 31st, 2018 AT 10:44 PM

35 Replies

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

It will only get spark when it is called for.

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

The first thing I would do is check the compression to be sure the chains are good.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Roy
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Friday, August 14th, 2020 AT 11:03 AM
Tiny
KENNETHNF
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 FORD RANGER
I am working on a 1990 ranger 2.3L. My customer put a used engine from another ranger in it, it is suppose to be from the same year. Ignition not firing and injectors not firing. I ckecked all fuses gone through the wiring schematics. Power up relay is working fine. The customer replaced coils, crank sensor. Ignition module, fuel pump before they brought it to me. There is 4 different computers for that year model with manual transmission. The truck they got the engine out of has been crushed. Do I need the numbers off of that computer or will any of the 4 computers work with this engine
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLACKOP555
  • MECHANIC
  • 10,371 POSTS
If you use the sensors from the old vehicle and modules from the old vehicle you should not need a computer.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

Please run down this guide and report back. was vehicle running before they put in the different engine?
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DAKOTA GRAY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1990 FORD RANGER
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 160,000 MILES
I replaced the fuel pump twice because my truck would start with starting fluid thinking that was the problem and that the first one I bought was bad, but come to find out its a no spark problem. I replaced both coil packs, all 8 plugs and wires on it, along with a brand new battery and it still not sparking, now it wont start with starting fluid, both coil packs are brand new(i try not to buy refurbished parts) and they both have power going to the coil packs, I had my friend check the timing because I am familiar with timing and he said it has not jumped timed, I am desperately trying to get this going because I am a single dad and this is my only vehicle.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SCGRANTURISMO
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,897 POSTS
Hello,

This sounds like a problem with your vehicle's Camshaft Position Senso r(CMP). The CMP is responsible for the firing of the fuel injectors and the spark plugs. I have included the description of what the CMP does and it's location as well as the instructions for the removal and installation of the CMP in the diagrams down below. Please go through these guides and get back to us with what you are able to find out.

Thanks,
Alex
2CarPros
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:04 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1990 FORD RANGER
  • 2.3L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 14,400 MILES
Had alternator go out, barely made it home after switching batteries three times. Switched to a new rebuilt alternator. Now it wont start. Everything checks out except, not getting injectors to spray, I removed the entire rail and had my wife turn key, no fuel spraying out of injectors. What is the malfunction. Please help!
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
It sounds like you blew a fuse please check all fuses in the PDC here is a guide. Also is the security light flashing? If so lock the truck up and wait fifteen minutes then unlock the drivers door.

Here is a guide that can help you

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

Please let us know what you find so it will help others.

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Checked all fuses, they are all okay. Plus, truck has no security system, bypassed inertia, neutral safety switches, and fuel pump.
Removed fuel rail, had my wife turn key, no fuel spraying from injectors.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,840 POSTS
Remove the distributor cap to see if the rotor is going around. When the engine is cranked over, next check for spark at the plugs, here is a guide to help you.

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

and

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

Best, Ken
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
No distributor, it is a 1990 2.3L with dual (can not remember what they are called). It has fuel pressure in the rail. But injectors fail to spray fuel? I am leaning on buying the ICM, but I heard of so many persons buying the unit to nothing changing. I cannot afford the computer, and I cannot afford to let truck sit. I tried the self test but my "Check engine" bulb burnt out and wont accept new bulb, so I tried the self test with multi-meter, could not get that to work either.
I turn the key and fuel pump is pumping, starter is spinning very good, so I spray starting fluid in the air intake and motor comes to life a couple of seconds and dies. I need to know exactly which computer to replace.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Someone said there are four computers in my truck two wheel drive, no power windows, no power door locks, plain Jane Ranger, I just took it on a hundred mile round trip, three times last week. Two weeks ago, I mean. The alternator went out, it fried it again, after I rebuilt it, so I put a new rebuilt in, and it would not start. I have been messing with it, for ten days now, I am so far behind its pitiful. Mostly been online looking for answers. But the 2carpros are the best so far.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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Do you have a bulb test light to do some testing?
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Found the problem. Remember I had checked all fuses. Well, this morning I started from scratch. Found out that someone had removed a fuse from under hood. Talk about sabotage. The EEC fuse was taken and who did it. Thank you guys from 2carpros. Have a good rest of the weekend.

Sincerely, Tom Jr. Truck runs like new.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
THOMAS RICHARD IVAN JR.
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Found the problem. Remember I had checked all fuses. Well, this morning I started from scratch. Followed directions from easy fix. Com. Found out that someone had removed a fuse from under hood. Talk about sabotage.
The eec fuse was taken and who did it, well that's gonna be on another web site. Thank you guys from 2carpros. Have a good rest of the weekend.
. Sincerely,
. Tom Jr.
. Truck runs like new.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
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You are welcome glad to hear it tell your friends about us.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:05 PM (Merged)
Tiny
M.GOOD2
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1989 FORD RANGER
If a person unplugs the fuel injector power supply one at a time will it reset the injector? Or is that even possible or just dumb information.

Reason is my ranger cranks but will not start and there was barley and pressure in the fuel rail after I try to start it. So I toggled the fuel pump to obtain enough power to the pump to push enough prime. To the rail. But it still wont start.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
Fuel injectors cannot and does not need to be resetted. If the fuel pressure is low, you need to be looking at the fuel pump and/or fuel pressure regulator. If the fuel pump is weak or pressure regulator is bad, you would not get sufficient pressure at the fuel rail to start engine.

When you turn the key to the on position without cranking the engine over can you hear the fuel pump run in the tank for 5 seconds?

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
M.GOOD2
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
How do I check the fuil pressure regulator? Do ihave to to take it off or can it be tested while on
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KHLOW2008
  • MECHANIC
  • 41,815 POSTS
You would need a pressure gauge fixed to the fuel lines to get the pressure and should be done onvehicle.

Check with your parts shops or any other outlets that loan out such equipments.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:06 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PWRPLY2
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1989 FORD RANGER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 158,000 MILES
I was driving down the highway and the engine just cut off. Now it wont start back up.I wasnt gettin fire from the core pack so I went and got another one. Still no fire. The engine sounds like it wants to start but it acts like its out of gas. Its a full tank in it.I checked for loose or diconnected wires/vacume hoses. Nothing.I checked the fuel pump. Good.I made sure the injectors were getting fuel. Good. The only other thing I can think of is the computer. Im lost with it. Any input would be greatful. Thankx lee
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 7:07 PM (Merged)

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