The truck is a 98 ranger x-cab 4x4 with 4.0 and auto tranny.

I recently took the truck on vacation. A 1500 mile trip one way. It ran perfect. While on vacation I took the truck to the nearest town, still running perfect, and then returned to our cabin and parked it for the night. Next morning I get up and try to start the truck. It cranks over but will not start, doesn't fire at all, but just cranks. I give it a little gas while cranking but no luck. Later that evening I try to start the truck again. It cranks for a few seconds (it normally fires up instantly) and then starts and runs perfectly again. I drive the truck back from vacation, it runs perfectly.

Then a few days later I run over to a friends house, the truck is parked for a few hours. When I try to start it, it once again cranks but fails to start. I try again, this time pressing the gas about half way to the floor and the truck fires up and runs perfectly.

Does anybody have any idea what this could be or where I should start? I know this isn't much info but a figured somebody might have had this problem before. The check engine light is not on, however when the truck fails to start, the check engine light does remain lit, even while cranking the engine. I was thinking the check engine light was supposed to go out as soon as the engine started cranking? I recently replaced the plugs, wires, and air filter. I also had to replace the IAC because it was getting noisy. Thanks for any help you can give.

 

I would start by pulling the codes and testing the fuel pressure when it's a no-start.

 

Is there a simple way to pull the codes on these, like the eec-IV, or do I need a code reader?

 

I'm having a starting issue too, so this weekend I installed a new fuelpump. Now the thief light is flashing and the thing still will not start. what gives?

 

You need a scanner.