Starting problem!!!!!!!

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Oct 24, 2002 | 07:55 AM

patrick_q

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Starting problem!!!!!!!

My truck started doing something disturbing a few days ago. I got in and it wouldn't start. It would turn over fine like it was going to start but then it would shut right back off. I could get it started as long as I kept my foot on the gas when I stopped or pushed the clutch in. I limped home and bought a fuel filter and replaced it. Later that night and the next morning it started fine so I drove to work without incident. When I went to leave work it did the exact same thing, wouldn't start. I listened for the fuel pump to kick on when I turned the key on and it did. At this point I didn't know what to do, a friend told me to check the fuel pressure. Now since I don't have a gauge he said to turn the key on, depress the stopper? with a knife and see if any fuel came out. A little spurted out but then nothing. He claims that if the fuel pump is working then fuel should be spitting out of the check point. He seems to think my fuel pump is going bad. Is this true??????

Oct 24, 2002 | 11:00 AM

mrwizard

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Joined: Jul 2002

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From: Vancouver WA

Starting problem!!!!!!!

What engine do you have. Had a similar sounding problem in my '88/2.9 auto. Every now and then the only way I could keep the engine running (after a cold start) was to keep it revved up to 1500-2000 RPM for a good 5 minutes or so until it warmed up. Then you could actually feel the engine smooth out and run fine.

Never did get it figured out. Ended up selling the truck to my nephew at a substantial discount.

Oct 24, 2002 | 12:48 PM

patrick_q

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Starting problem!!!!!!!

The engine is a 2.5L I-4.
It gave me trouble yesterday after work but this morning it started right up. I went out to my truck on my lunchbreak and tried to start it and it wouldn't start. I can't understand why it would start up this morning but won't start now.
Any suggestions will be great!!!

Thanks,

Oct 24, 2002 | 02:48 PM

patrick_q

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Starting problem!!!!!!!

Just in case anyone has this suggestion:

I just checked by battery connections and they were corroded. I cleaned them off and put them on real tight but it didn't change the problem.

^^Someone on another forum had this suggestion.

Nov 11, 2002 | 04:18 PM

Chickenmantoo

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Joined: May 2002

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From: The Woodlands USA

Starting problem!!!!!!!

You don't say what year your truck is, but I would check the rollover or inertia switch. This is a known problem on the older trucks. The switch becomes high resistant internally and overheats. It can become intermittent. I had one do exactly what you are describing. They are available from Ford for about $45 and are not repairable. They are located usually near the top of the carpet on the passenger side near the transmission hump. It has a reset button on top of it. Hold the button down while starting the vehicle. If is starts and runs while the switch button is depressed but stops when it is released, the switch is bad.

Good luck.

Rob

Nov 15, 2002 | 10:40 PM

94_ranger

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Joined: Sep 2002

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From: San Diego U.S.A

Starting problem!!!!!!!

I had this problem with my 94 ranger, 2.3L. Find the power distribution box (next to battery) find the relay that goes with fuel pump, and when it shuts off check to see if the relay is hot. If it is you need to replace it it's only around $11.00. My truck would go down the street and shut off or wouldn't start sometimes when I would go places. Once I replaced the relay I have yet to have that problem again.