Hi folks,

I'm having problems starting my truck. The second it catches, it just dies right away. It doesn't stay running even if I keep giving it throttle. Although when I did try to start it 5-10 times the other day, one of those times, it started and stayed on for about 5 seconds then died again. Can someone point me on what to check? I'm a complete newbie when it comes to this vehicle, but I would consider myself mechanically inclined since I've worked with newer cars and smaller engines before.

Also I don't know if this might be related, but I recently changed the oil & oil filter in the truck (after not having changed it for a long time).... and it was a castrol full synthetic high mileage oil. It ran and shifted a lot better for about a week before this starting problem happened. I checked the oil level and it's still perfect so I know it's not leaking oil or anything like that. Just wanted to throw this in there just in case.

Thanks a ton and I really appreciate any help!

 

Sounds like it's not getting fuel.

 

I listened for the fuel pump and I can definitely hear it working every time i cycle the key. I don't have a fuel pressure checking device however to know for sure.

 

How much gas is in the tank? I dont know if this is uncommon in the ranger or not, but in the older F-series trucks, the pickup tube in the tank itself can break off so it will not suck fuel below 1/4 tank...

 

try spraying some starter fluid or carb cleaner in the intake