Truck only runs when holding the fuel reset switch

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Sep 24, 2004 | 12:04 PM

dlruss

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Truck only runs when holding the fuel reset switch

Hello everybody!

I've been searching through old threads for a while now and cannot find my answer, so I'll just go ahead and ask it.

This problem is with my 2003 Ford Ranger.

Yesterday I drove from Milwaukee to Chicago for the evening. As I got into my truck to leave, it would not start. I looked in the manual for the fuel-reset switch and pressed it. Started the truck again, and it did the same thing.

Then, I tried starting the car while holding down the reset button, and it started! And it ran as long as I held in the button. As soon as I take my finger off of it, it dies.

I have absolutely why it works when the reset switch is pressed, but then dies? Could it be as simple as needing a new switch? What could be causing this? What can I try to diagnose this?

I'm back in Milwaukee right now and will go back to my truck tomorrow, which is in a parking garage under Grant Park. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!
-Dave

Sep 24, 2004 | 12:10 PM

1081

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Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Kansas City, Missouri

I am sure that someone will give you a specific answer but I will table a guess for now. It could be the switch but that switch only does what it is told by the impact sensor(s). I don't know exactly where the sensors are but I know there is one on the rear somewhere. Did you bump into anything or tow anything before you had the problem?

Sep 24, 2004 | 12:27 PM

G2IC_Wraith

Fleet Mechanic

Joined: Dec 2003

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From: Virginia

I thought I remember someone saying that you can tap on the case of the switch with the plastic end of a screwdriver to "reset" the internal mechanisim. There is a little ball in there and some type of sensor. I could be wrong, but it won't cost you anything to try it.

Sep 24, 2004 | 12:36 PM

Bart99GT

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Joined: Jul 2004

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There is indeed a ball that normally bridges the contacts until it is disturbed and knocked out from between the contacts. When you press the reset button it is supposed to push the ball back into place. For whatever reason it isn't staying put when you release the button.

You can try tapping on it, but the best thing to do is to have the switch replaced, since I would assume the truck is still under warranty.

Bart

Sep 24, 2004 | 12:37 PM

fordtrucklover94

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From: Charlotte, NC

Those switches are a pain, first they are very sensitive

, but they are easily replaced, just have to pop the wires out and pop them into a new one and screw it back up in its spot. If all else fails, i'm sure you can probably get one pretty cheap.