I have a 2000 Ranger X-Cab, Auto with a 3.0 V6. I posted here a few weeks ago with this problem, and I thought I had fixed it. However, it's happening again...

Occasionally, and randomly, when I go to start the truck it will either: (1) just turn over and not start (or even TRY to start); (2) start and idle VERY rough (sometimes it will normalize after 15 seconds or so, and sometimes it will die); (3) start and immediately die; (4) start and run normally. Also, on a couple occasions, it has started fine, only to completely die while driving. And as I said, it's very random - it went for almost two weeks without doing it, and now it's acting up almost every day. And the 'check engine' light hasn't come on either since I reset it after changing the DPFE sensor about 6 months ago... It's my understanding that any kind of electrical sensor failure in the engine would activate the check engine light and store a code (is that correct?)

After my original post a few weeks ago, I did the following things: cleaned the MAF Sensor, replaced the IAC unit, cleaned the throttle body, checked the EGR valve, changed the PCV valve, put on a new fuel filter, checked all the electrical connections, and ran some fuel system cleaner through the engine.

Does anyone have ANY ideas? This is driving me nuts. Thanks in advance for ANY help anyone can give.

 

Some codes can be stored without the CEL coming on, it's really worth the bucks to buy a scanner so that you can check them yourself. I don't know how much they cost for the OBD-II vehicles, but mine (for EEC-IV) was only 35 bucks. Whether you buy one or not, at least pull the codes and go from there. -TD

 

Sounds like you've done all the right things so far to no avail.

I posted recently about something that may or may not be applicable to your situation, might be worth reading over:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=315257

You are correct, most (but not all) of the circuits for the sensors and actuators that make up the Electronic Engine Control (EEC) system are monitored by the PCM, and if a problem is detected in a circuit, a trouble code is stored.

 

Thanks for the replies! I appreciate it. Maybe I'll go out and get a code scanner tomorrow and see if there are any codes stored. Even if not, I guess a scanner isn't a bad thing to have around.

Thanks again.

 

IMO, a scanner is an invaluable tool in this day and age, one of the best tools someone can have in their box, a real money saver when used in conjunction with FTE, a good repair manual, and a little common sense.

If you have a Pep Boys near you I noticed they are offering Actron's new "Pocket Scanner" CP9125 which reads and erases OBD-II codes for $79.99. Think about it. That's around the cost of a single diagnostic charge from the dealer.

 

Thanks Rockledge. I went out and bought the Actron Pocket Scanner from Pep Boys. It seems to be a nice little unit, and very easy to use. Unfortunately, there were NO codes stored. Oh, well - not a bad tool to have anyway...

So, I went through and tried to check everything under the hood again, as well as looking through the troubleshooting section, etc. in my Haynes Manual. Still nothing...

If anyone else has any ideas, PLEASE let me know! I really don't want to have to take it in to the shop...

 

I posted this last week. Might be something to at least consider:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=315257

 

Thanks, Rockledge. I checked that too. The TSB says it's for 1998-1999, I think they may have resolved it for 2000? My wire harness from the connector down is covered in several layers of some kind of nylon-weaved covering and has some kind of plastic "spacer" under this covering where it would typically rub against the floorboard. Thanks again.

Back to square one...

 

If your back to square one, then a fuel pressure check should be on your agenda. If would be especially useful to know what the pressure is when things start acting up. You are going to have to rule out the fuel delivery system as a whole at some point anyway, and a FP check is a good place to get started with that.

Regarding the link I referenced in my previous post, I was thinking more along the lines of the second TSB that I pointed out, Article No. 01-5-2, wherein a rough idle is one of the symptoms listed. This TSB is more specific to water intrusion, as opposed to chafing, and it is applicable to '00.

 

Oh, sorry. I missed that one. I guess I'll have to check that out! Sounds a bit more involved...

As far as fuel pressure - if that were the case, would I really have times where I didn't have the problem for a few days straight? It seems like a fuel pump/pressure problem would cause a problem pretty consistently as well as poor performance/missing at higher speeds/rpm's as well? Maybe I'm wrong. I don't really know. Which is why I'm where I'm at...

Anyway, thanks again for all your assistance. I appreciate the help. I guess I'll check out that TSB issue next, and maybe look into getting a fuel pressure tester if not...

 

Yes, a fuel pressure problem usually results in more consistent symptoms, but not always, like for example when the fuel pump is starting to flake out and is only failing intermittently. That's why a test when the problem is actually occuring would be ideal.

 

Well, I checked the TSB issue - took out the driver's seat and pulled up the carpet to check the inside connector under the driver's seat. It was very well sealed and looked new inside, so I think that's fine.

I'll keep the fuel pressure issue in mind, but at this point, it would be very difficult to check since the problem I'm having is so random and often occurs away from home.

If anyone has any other ideas or info for anything I might want to check, please let me know.

 

The next time it acts out, try thumping on the fuel pump relay & see if it suddenly wakes up.

If not, try swapping the fuel pump relay with the AC relay. If it then wakes up & behaves, replace the relay, they are about $5. They are common intermittent problem parts.

Both are located in the under hood power distribution box. On my 99 it's located on the drivers side firewall beside the hood hinge.

 

Thanks pawpaw. I'll give that a shot next time I have the problem!