Intermitent starting problem
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Joined: May 2003
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Intermitent starting problem
I have a 94 Ranger that doesn't always start. The problem appears to occur when the truck is warm, turned off for a short time (20 min or so), then started again. It always starts in the morning and after work. Any help is greatly appriciated.
Steve
Steve
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: DIXIE
Intermitent starting problem
first things first....
What are the symptoms exactly, starter doesn't turn over? engine doesnt hit at all? Tries to run but cant idle? etc.....
Also, what engine do you have? 2.3, 3.0, 3.0ffv, 4.0?
Would love to help, give us a little more to work with.
What are the symptoms exactly, starter doesn't turn over? engine doesnt hit at all? Tries to run but cant idle? etc.....
Also, what engine do you have? 2.3, 3.0, 3.0ffv, 4.0?
Would love to help, give us a little more to work with.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 6,940
Likes: 2
From: Eastern WA
Intermitent starting problem
I had this happen one time back with 20K on the clock. The dealer replaced the EEC relay. It's inexpensive; you will find it in the electrical box located above the LF tire under the hood and against the fender.
Not sure if this is it but something worth considering. Let us know what happens.
Not sure if this is it but something worth considering. Let us know what happens.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 485
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From: DIXIE
Intermitent starting problem
hmmmm,
well, try a few little checks first. Before anything, go to Autozone and have them pull stored codes. Post em here and we'll look them up for you.
1) When you turn the key to the "on" position w/o actually cranking it, do you hear the fuel pump?
2) Has a buddy possibly kicked the inertia connector under the glove box, (this would cause the fuel pump to shut off)
3) Is the MAF dirty or loose?
4) is the IAC dirty?
5) Is the IAC opening?
6) Have you ever been in a Turkish prison? (sorry couldn't resist)
7) Does the EEC relay close when you crank? (as cowboybilly stated... good call)
8)Is the Crankshaft position sensor bad? (this tells the PCM where the engine is at startup, once started, the PCM doesnt need that signal)
9) Does it idle fine after it cranks?
well, try a few little checks first. Before anything, go to Autozone and have them pull stored codes. Post em here and we'll look them up for you.
1) When you turn the key to the "on" position w/o actually cranking it, do you hear the fuel pump?
2) Has a buddy possibly kicked the inertia connector under the glove box, (this would cause the fuel pump to shut off)
3) Is the MAF dirty or loose?
4) is the IAC dirty?
5) Is the IAC opening?
6) Have you ever been in a Turkish prison? (sorry couldn't resist)
7) Does the EEC relay close when you crank? (as cowboybilly stated... good call)
8)Is the Crankshaft position sensor bad? (this tells the PCM where the engine is at startup, once started, the PCM doesnt need that signal)
9) Does it idle fine after it cranks?
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 10,562
Likes: 4
From: South Jersey
Intermitent starting problem
I would start by determining if you have a spark and fuel pressure when it's a no-start, I'm thinking that you will find a no-spark condition.
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Intermitent starting problem
Good news.
It appears thet the EEC relay is the problem. I was able to repeat the symptom several times and all I had to do was flick the relay with my finger and it started right up. I even checked the adjacent relays to make sure that the vibration wasn't passing on to them instead. I will know for sure when I get the relay tonight.
I did attempt to pull the codes using the instructions in my Haynes manual (using the check engine light to count pulses), but I don't understand the results.
According to the manual, all codes are 3 digit. But I got the following results:
KOEO 33 1 33 . And I did not get the 111 telling me thet I am going on to continous memory codes. I ran the test 3 times and always got the same reading.
Engine run test The test appeared to run properly as far as the sequence outlined in the manual, but the only code I got was a 33.
I'm sure I timed the pauses correctly. Any Ideas?
It appears thet the EEC relay is the problem. I was able to repeat the symptom several times and all I had to do was flick the relay with my finger and it started right up. I even checked the adjacent relays to make sure that the vibration wasn't passing on to them instead. I will know for sure when I get the relay tonight.
I did attempt to pull the codes using the instructions in my Haynes manual (using the check engine light to count pulses), but I don't understand the results.
According to the manual, all codes are 3 digit. But I got the following results:
KOEO 33 1 33 . And I did not get the 111 telling me thet I am going on to continous memory codes. I ran the test 3 times and always got the same reading.
Engine run test The test appeared to run properly as far as the sequence outlined in the manual, but the only code I got was a 33.
I'm sure I timed the pauses correctly. Any Ideas?
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Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Durham, NC
Intermitent starting problem
Originally posted by jbabbler
2) Has a buddy possibly kicked the inertia connector under the glove box, (this would cause the fuel pump to shut off)
8)Is the Crankshaft position sensor bad? (this tells the PCM where the engine is at startup, once started, the PCM doesnt need that signal)
2) Has a buddy possibly kicked the inertia connector under the glove box, (this would cause the fuel pump to shut off)
8)Is the Crankshaft position sensor bad? (this tells the PCM where the engine is at startup, once started, the PCM doesnt need that signal)
manually reset. This would not cause an intermittent problem.
8) The PCM continues to use the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, even after the engine starts. This signal is used
as a reference for the ignition & fuel injector timing.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 485
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From: DIXIE
Intermitent starting problem
.
2)On the issue of the inertia switch, it is located at foot level under the glove compartment, to depressurize the fuel system, it is common practice to unplug this connector. I have had my long-legged son kick the connector that attaches the wiring harness to the switch loose before. It was only making partial contact. I was not referring to the actual switch triggering and in need of a manual reset.
8) I apologize if I misstated here, I have read in several posts that if the cps is bad it will only present itself at startup because the pcm doesnt need it later. I haven't had a CPS problem on mine (yet). I was going on 2nd hand info on this one. Thanks for the heads-up Bob.
2) If the inertia switch (connector?) has been thrown, it has to be
manually reset. This would not cause an intermittent problem.
8) The PCM continues to use the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, even after the engine starts. This signal is used
as a reference for the ignition & fuel injector timing
manually reset. This would not cause an intermittent problem.
8) The PCM continues to use the signal from the crankshaft position sensor, even after the engine starts. This signal is used
as a reference for the ignition & fuel injector timing
8) I apologize if I misstated here, I have read in several posts that if the cps is bad it will only present itself at startup because the pcm doesnt need it later. I haven't had a CPS problem on mine (yet). I was going on 2nd hand info on this one. Thanks for the heads-up Bob.