I've got a 2001 Ranger edge with the 4.0 v-6, 4WD, automatic. For several years it's had to crank for a few seconds before the engine will fire. Never thought it was a problem. More recently it occasionally hasn't wanted to start at all. Cranks fine but no starts. If I re-tried, even after only a few seconds it would usually start. The problem was very intermittent. This morning it fired right up, and I drove it to work. It's still sitting there because it would not start at all to come home.

I opened the air cleaner box and shot in started fluid, which got it to momentarily fire. So I have fuel problem. I quickly scanned the web for advice and then got to a part store for a new fuel pump relay. Still nothing. Then I went under the glove bow to see if the cut-off relay was tripped. I tried to push the red button down, but it wouldn't budge. I don't recall a warning light indicating it was the problem, but I can't say for sure I actually looked.

So that's my problem. The truck is in the parking lot at work and I need to try something else to get it going. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

Check fuel pump pressure at fuel rail. Check fuel injectors by using large screwdriver and listen for clicking noise. Check fuel filter...

...All just guesses, but since you know its a fuel issue, it could one or more of these issues.

 

Welcome to FTE.

At KOEO, can you hear the fuel pump run for a couple of seconds & shut off, when you go from off to run, before cranking the engine????

If you can't hear the pump run, then it's a fuel pump problem. Maybe an electrical feed disruption to it, like you suspected when you replaced the fuel pump relay & checked the in cabin inertia switch to see if it were tripped, which can happen in a parking lot, if your bumped.

Thump the inertia switch to trip it, so that the red button pops up, then reset it & listen for the pump to run at KOEO, before you crank the engine.

If it doesn't run, pull the inertia switch electrical connector & check for 12 volts B+ to ground for a couple of seconds when you go to KOEO.

If you have B+ at the inertia switch for a couple of seconds at KOEO, try thumping the fuel tank, or the pump connections atop the tank, with a hose, or broom handle & see if it'll wake up. If it wakes up, suspect electrical connection problems at the pump, or a faulty pump on it's way out.

If you can hear the pump run at KOEO, cycle the ignition switch from off to run three or four times, pausing each time long enough for the pump to run & cycle off, Then try cranking the engine. If it'll then start, suspect a clogged fuel filter, or weak fuel pump.

So, as danielwd suggested, do a fuel pressure check at the fuel rail schrader valve connection, it should be 64 +/- 8psi.
If it's low, suspect a clogged fuel filter, or weak pump on it's way out.

Has the fuel filter ever been replaced, if not, I'd try replacing it, before removing the bed to pull the pump????

More thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.

 

Thanks guys. I thumped the bottom of the fuel tank and got the pump to wake-up. The truck started immediately. Upon returning home, I shut it down and tried to restart with the pump dead again. It did work after another thump though. So it sounds like the pump is weak. One problem I have is that I don't drive this vehicle too often, maybe once a week. My neighbor has a fuel pressure gauge so I might try to measure it tonight.

With the strong likelihood that I'll have to replace the pump, I started shopping around. I see that both pump-only units, and hanger assemblies are available. Also a variety of manufacturers, from low-end to higher priced. I'm thinking of going with the whole assembly made by Bosch. About mid-range in price. Any thoughts on these offerings? Will just the pump work or, considering it's 10 years old with 120K miles, should I just replace the whole thing. Thanks.

 

OK, good trouble shooting feedback.
Sounds like the problem is on the pump end of things. Try wiggeling it's electrical connector, to make sure thats not the problem.

The pump & fuel level sender come & are replaced as, one assy.
Edit: Lots of folks have had fuel sender problems, so I'd consider replacing the entire assy, rather than just the pump motor.

I've not had to replace mine yet, so I don't know about pump quality, but it seems to me Bosch should be ok.

It's said by those that have done it, that unplugging the tail light electrical connector, disconnecting the fuel filler hose, removing the tailgate to reduce weight, then unbolting the bed & moving it back to rest the front of the bed on the rear tires, the tailgate end on saw horses, is easier than draining & dropping the fuel tank, to change the pump.

More thoughts for consideration.
Let us know how it goes.

 

You might want to check out Rock Auto for a fuel pump. They stock the Motorcraft if you want to go OE. Prices are pretty competitive.

2001 FORD RANGER Fuel Pump

 

Finished the pump and fuel filter replacement, and all is well. Taking the bed off was the way to go, and I only had to cut off one bolt... the one above the tank of course. The fuel line connectors gave me fits until I found that pressing IN the green or orange panels releases the connector. Everything else was a snap. Thanks for all the great info.

 

Good feedback & to hear all went well & your intermittent hard/no start fuel pump problem seems to be fixed & your "on the road again"!!!!