2000 Ford Ranger Truck turns over but wont start every 3 or

Tiny
ARCHERJAX
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 FORD RANGER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 267,500 MILES
2 months ago truck died while driving. Had the alternator replaced and put in new battery. Truck ran for a day or two o.K. Then every few days it would start, I would drive it several miles to store and come out after 10-15 minutes and it would not start. It would turn over and engine would shake but it would not start. Was told to replace ignition coil, spark plugs and wires so I did. Let from mechanic, stopped to get gas, and truck had same problem when I tried to leave. It takes up to 30 minutes of turning ignition then waiting 1-2 minutes turning ignition, waiting 1-2 minutes then it finally starts. The problem is so random. Took it back to mechaninc and described continual problem. Was told I needed to have ignition switch replaced and wires cleaned up so they did. Drove o.K. Next day then got out for 30 minutes and went to start and same problem; engine turns over and shakes like it really wants to start but just wont. After sitting for 30 minutes it cranks just fine. Mechanic said fuel pressure is good and they have never heard of this. Without fail when it wont start I can get it started by popping clutch. Any ideas?
Saturday, October 17th, 2009 AT 12:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
When this happens, have you checked for spark and fuel to the engine. One will be missing and I need to know which one.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
RCFISHIN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I have a 2002 Ranger FX4 and have been having the exact same problem and I can't seem to be able to duplicate it when it is in the shop..
Same exact symptoms, runs fine for a while, then I run somewhere, stop, get out, get back in after a few minutes and it tries to start, spuitters, shakes, but just wont start. The only thing that works for me is to let it sit for 5-15 minutes and then it starts fine and runs for another week, then does it again. How can we check for spark or fuel when this is happening? Most of the time I am alone and by the time someone comes to help or tow it, it starts like nothing ever happened? The local dealership is trying to steer me right down the same path you went and I would really like to find someone who can help pinpoint it before I start replacing things that don't need replaced.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Here are the how to's for checking for spark and fuel. Both will be hard to do by yourself.

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_check_fuel_pressure.htm

https://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_to_test_an_ignition_system.htm

Let me know what you find.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 12:00 PM

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