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I have a 1994 Ford Ranger XLT (6 cyl., 4.0 L; 4x4) that intermitently will not start. Usually, after I run several errands the vehicle will not start(it will turn over). It occurs about once a week. The occurences are more frequent with the use of more accessories(ie A/C and radio). It's been going on for several months(6-12). My mechanic cannot figure it out unless I bring it in when it does this. However, it always starts back up after a 20-30 minute rest. The battery checks out good. I discovered when it won't start, if I slide the fuses in the engine compartment(60 amp panel, etc) in & out several times it will start right up. The fuses all look good. Mechanic says it could be a loose wire or short somewhere. But since he can only test it when it when it does this, I haven't been able to get it to him when the truck does this. Also, when I bought the truck (used) the panel lights were very dim and they slowly went out. Any Suggestions? Thanks.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,748
Likes: 16
From: Connecticut
Welcome to FTE!
These intermittent no-start problems are some of the hardest to diagnose. That's why it's probably best to begin by looking at the basics, fuel and spark.
When it won't start, have you checked for spark? Sometimes ignition components can break down due to heat, and then after cool down they go back to operating properly. Ford even had a problem with DIS Modules back in that late 80's and early 90's that would fail when hot (ask me how I know).
Also, fuel system problems can also pop up on a warm engine. For example, a leaky fuel pressure regulator can cause a warm no-start condition. Next time your truck won't start, pull the vacuum hose of the FPR, which is located on the fuel rail. If it's wet with fuel, then the regulator is bad. Testing the fuel pressure would also help you rule out fuel issues, as well.
These intermittent no-start problems are some of the hardest to diagnose. That's why it's probably best to begin by looking at the basics, fuel and spark.
When it won't start, have you checked for spark? Sometimes ignition components can break down due to heat, and then after cool down they go back to operating properly. Ford even had a problem with DIS Modules back in that late 80's and early 90's that would fail when hot (ask me how I know).
Also, fuel system problems can also pop up on a warm engine. For example, a leaky fuel pressure regulator can cause a warm no-start condition. Next time your truck won't start, pull the vacuum hose of the FPR, which is located on the fuel rail. If it's wet with fuel, then the regulator is bad. Testing the fuel pressure would also help you rule out fuel issues, as well.
New User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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Did this work for you Robert1?
My 1994 Ranger will sometimes not start. It cranks and almost starts but then won't. A man came along once and reached under the dash and jiggled a switch. I've had a Ford dealer mechanic look at this and he said that switch (located above the brake pedal) has nothing to do with the truck not starting. It is an intermittent problem: sometimes it won't do it for weeks and then some weeks it will do it multiple times. It has nothing to do with whether or not I've got a low/full tank of gas, or whether I've just taken a long drive and then made a quick stop and then tried to start the car again...it seems totally random.
Judy
My 1994 Ranger will sometimes not start. It cranks and almost starts but then won't. A man came along once and reached under the dash and jiggled a switch. I've had a Ford dealer mechanic look at this and he said that switch (located above the brake pedal) has nothing to do with the truck not starting. It is an intermittent problem: sometimes it won't do it for weeks and then some weeks it will do it multiple times. It has nothing to do with whether or not I've got a low/full tank of gas, or whether I've just taken a long drive and then made a quick stop and then tried to start the car again...it seems totally random.
Judy
Senior User
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 253
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From: Beaver, Pennsylvania
I have the same truck as you, and also had the same problem. It was very hard to diagnose due to it being so random. BUT I finally found it. Here is smething to try.
There are 3 relays in the fuse box under the hood,
One is the fuel pump relay, another is the EEC Relay, and the last is the A/C Relay.
IF when it does not start look to see if your check engine light is on at key on engine off, ( it should be ) if not try switching the A/C relay with the EEC relay and see if it comes on and the truck starts.
IF The check engine light is on at key on engine off, switch the A/C relay with the fuel pump relay and see if it starts.
I have had both fuel pump & EEC relays go bad at different times and they both were intermittent starting problems.
If you do find that 1 is acting out I would replace all 3 they are not that expensive.
Just a couple things to try.
There are 3 relays in the fuse box under the hood,
One is the fuel pump relay, another is the EEC Relay, and the last is the A/C Relay.
IF when it does not start look to see if your check engine light is on at key on engine off, ( it should be ) if not try switching the A/C relay with the EEC relay and see if it comes on and the truck starts.
IF The check engine light is on at key on engine off, switch the A/C relay with the fuel pump relay and see if it starts.
I have had both fuel pump & EEC relays go bad at different times and they both were intermittent starting problems.
If you do find that 1 is acting out I would replace all 3 they are not that expensive.
Just a couple things to try.
New User
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 6
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Ranger not starting problem addressed
Thanks Rags for your input. I went to my favorite auto parts store and my man Jose installed two new switches for me (EEC and fuel pump). Now it's just a waiting game. Thank you so much for your help.
Judy
Judy
